Monthly Archives: May 2017

Unfortunate students stuck in the middle of a debate they don’t understand

New York’s flagship public radio station WNYC recently broadcast/published stories about conflicts over teaching evolution and climate change in classrooms across the country. I spent quite a long time talking with a reporter about the situation here in Florida, especially … Continue reading

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Heartland’s junk mail arrives in Florida

Today was my last day of school with students for the year. After saying a final farewell to my students, I wrapped up my day with my usual trek to the mail room and I found a little gift in … Continue reading

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Nature notes one bad bill; no one notices the other

The science journal Nature published an article about antiscience bills that have cropped up across America, with a special focus on our very own Sunshine State: Revamped ‘anti-science’ education bills in United States find success. The piece focuses on the instructional … Continue reading

Posted in Instructional Materials bills '17, Religious Liberties Act 2017 | 2 Comments

Textbook battles: a glimpse into the future

One of the most controversial issues in recent years when it comes to textbooks used in Florida schools is the coverage of religion in history books. The topic was the spark that started the whole instructional materials bills fiasco we’re … Continue reading

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Meet your new “unbiased” textbook hearing officer: Florida creationists

Creationists, climate change deniers and other antiscience nuts scored a major victory in the Florida legislature with the passage of the instructional materials bill. This bill, if the governor signs it, will kick wide open the door for ideological crusaders … Continue reading

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Creationist-enabling bill passes; what can you do now?

The Florida Citizens for Science membership is dismayed that House Bill 989, a proposed law that will affect how instructional materials for our schools are selected and challenged, passed its final vote in the Senate 19 to 17. We believe … Continue reading

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“Antiscience bill passed in Florida”

We’ll issue an official, detailed statement later. But for now, here’s the bad news from today’s Florida legislature (courtesy of National Center for Science Education): Antiscience bill passed in Florida A Florida bill aimed at empowering taxpayers to object to … Continue reading

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“Based upon the community standards”

The creationist-enabling instructional materials bill was debated on the Florida Senate floor Wednesday and there were finally a few tough, pointed questions posed. We believe that if this bill becomes law, it will give creationists, climate change deniers, anti-vaccine nuts … Continue reading

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