We learned of Florida Board of Education member Donna Callaway’s dislike for sound science education, namely, her opposition to evolution being taught, in the Florida Baptist Witness last month. It looks to me like the publication is rallying the flock to turn up the pressure with their latest story on the subject. There’s not much new in the story, but one worrying aspect is that the editor apparently had a conversation with the Board’s chairman, Willard Fair. Fair is quoted a few times in the story, but doesn’t come out and say anything to take a side for or against the new draft of the state science standards that include evolution prominently. However, he is in the story, and talks in a positive way about Callaway. Is that a bad sign, or am I reading too much into the quotes?
The story focuses on parent activists working hard against the teaching of evolution. We need to work harder. Don’t forget our All I Want for Christmas is a Good Science Education campaign. And there are still two more public meetings concerning the draft science standards. Consider attending one and being heard!
January 3, 2008, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
The Schultz Center for Teaching and Leadership
4019 Boulevard Center Drive
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 348-5757
January 8, 2008, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Everglades High School
17100 SW 48 CT.
Miramar, FL 33025
(754) 323-0500
Let these folks know that this is not a battle between religion and non-religion as they would have us believe. They are forcing a battle between religion and religion. I’ll let a quote from Florida Citizens for Science president Joe Wolf illustrate this point:
But Joe Wolf, president of Florida Citizens for Science, said intelligent design is a religious concept, not a scientific theory.
“Teaching intelligent design, creationism, can only cause confusion in the minds of students. How can we expect students to learn science when we’re teaching religion?†said Wolf, who identified himself as a Christian believer and a deacon in his church. “I accept evolution as the only current scientific theory that explains the natural world. I’m sick and tired of being told you can’t accept evolution and be a Christian.â€
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