Evolution divides public at hearing (in Derby, KS)

[coda]

Posted on Fri, Feb. 11, 2005
Evolution divides public at hearing

BY JOSH FUNK
The Wichita Eagle


About 300 people came to Derby on Thursday night to hear arguments for and against changing the way evolution is taught in Kansas schools.

Of the 50 to 60 people that spoke during the two-hour hearing, opinions were closely split about whether students should still be required to know and understand evolution, as the state requires now.


<snip>


Science teacher Mark Neas brought his two children with him as proof of his belief that God created mankind and the world.

His young son held a sign reading "Exhibit A" while Neas spoke, and his daughter followed him at the podium.


<snip>


Harry Gregory, who teaches biology at Kapaun Mount Carmel, a Catholic high school, commended the standard-writing committee for rejecting proposals designed to encourage consideration of alternative concepts to evolution.

"There is no controversy about the fact of evolution (within science)," Gregory said.


<snip>

Mike Everhart, president of the Kansas Academy of Sciences, said the public hearing seemed to be more about religious groups trying to insert religion into science classes than it was about science.


more.....

http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/10872600.htm

[BlueEyedSon]

1. Why do they hate Modernity?

[bowens43]

2. Conservative republicans building a bridge

to the 14th century.....

[fasttense]

3. About two years ago there was this news story

about a county in the Midwest that did away with teaching evolution and only taught creationism in their high schools. Turns out all their kids were failing on the SATs/ACTs. Their kids scores were so bad that otherwise capable children were not getting into college. Sooo, guess what? They brought back evolution in the high schools an no one has complained since. I'll see if I can find you a link.

But now that my youngest is almost ready to graduate from high school, I can say, "let them do away with evolution in the high schools." Their children will suffer for their parent's belief. Just makes it easier for my kid to get into college.

[atommom]

4. Opinions were pretty evenly divided at the KC hearing too.

The creationists/ID people are getter bolder now that they feel public opinion is on their side. I just wish the general public (not to mention certain people on the BOE) understood science better. Then we might have been able to avoid this silly debate. :eyes: