Re: [asa] Lousiana Coalition for Science formed to fight Creationist bill

 From the perspective of an outsider it appears to me that public
education in the US, and in the state of Louisiana in particular, is
indeed in pretty bad shape. However, I do not see that legislative
action of the type proposed will improve the situation. The specific
proposed legislation (or at least the sample that Don C has presented)
may appear quite bland, but it has deep implications. Why is this
legislation proposed if it is not aimed to restrain the teaching of
evolution in Louisiana schools? Am I not correct that both the promotion
of religious doctrine, and discrimination with respect to religious
beliefs, in public schools, are already ruled out by the US
Constitution as it is currently interpreted? If so, why is the proposed
legislation worded in the way it is?
Don N (ASA member)

Donald F Calbreath wrote:
> Before people get too upset, perhaps they should read the actual legislation. The standard material must be taught first before any supplementary material can be introduced. It specifically forbids the promotion of any specific religious doctrine.
> from the bill:
> C. A teacher shall teach the material presented in the standard textbook
> 8 supplied by the school system and thereafter may use supplemental textbooks
> 9 and other instructional materials to help students understand, analyze, critique,
> 10 and review scientific theories in an objective manner, as permitted by the city,
> 11 parish, or other local public school board.
> 12 D. This Section shall not be construed to promote any religious doctrine,
> 13 promote discrimination for or against a particular set of religious beliefs, or
> 14 promote discrimination for or against religion or nonreligion
>
> Public education is in pretty sad shape when the leaders don't know what the bill says and choose to believe erroneous propaganda instead of the facts.
>
> Don Calbreath
> ________________________________________
> From: asa-owner@lists.calvin.edu [asa-owner@lists.calvin.edu] On Behalf Of George Cooper [georgecooper@sbcglobal.net]
> Sent: Thursday, June 12, 2008 3:04 PM
> To: asa@calvin.edu
> Subject: [asa] Lousiana Coalition for Science formed to fight Creationist bill
>
> http://lasciencecoalition.org/2008/06/12/reject_sb_733/
>
>
> “Baton Rouge, LA, June 11, 2008 — In response to numerous attacks on science education in the Bayou State, concerned parents, teachers and scientists are getting organized. The new group — Louisiana Coalition for Science — calls upon the Senate to oppose SB 733, a bill which will open the door to creationism in public schools.”
>
>
>
> “Coope”
>
>
>
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Received on Thu Jun 12 23:36:22 2008