Tennessee’s Anti-Science Bill Becomes Law

[Illusion]

After the US Supreme Court’s 1987 decision forbidding the teaching of creationism in science classes, those who objected to the teaching of evolution modified their ideas slightly. They relabeled these ideas “Intelligent Design.” In the wake of that tactic’s defeat in the courts, the opponents of science education retooled again.

This time, they targeted a number of state legislatures with two categories of bills that shared nearly identical wording. This tactic saw success in Louisiana, although a number of similar bills were considered in other states. They’ve now achieved their second success — the passage of a law in Tennessee.

One approach to diluting science education was a series of bills that allowed schools to use supplementary materials in science classes; conveniently, the anti-evolution Discovery Institute published a supplementary text at about the same time.

An alternate approach has appeared in a number of bills (again, all with nearly identical language) that would protect teachers who present the “strengths and weaknesses” of scientific theories, although the bills single out evolution, climate change, and a couple of topics that aren’t even theories. Again, the goal seems to be to use neutral language that will allow teachers to reiterate many of the spurious arguments against the widely accepted scientific understandings. Tennessee’s House and Senate had passed a bill that took precisely this approach.

The state’s governor, saying the bill doesn’t “bring clarity,” has decided not to sign it. But he’s decided not to veto it either, which will allow it to become law.

Although a detailed discussion of open issues within all scientific theories might make some pedagogic sense, the bill will undoubtedly function as its designers intended. Teachers with a strong agenda will be able to bring up discredited arguments against the mainstream scientific understanding. And, should they ever do that in front of a student from a family with equally strong views, the result will inevitably be a lawsuit that will hold the local school district responsible.

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[TheCapn]

...just stupid.

[Blu]

Seems like a wonderful time to start home schooling.

[ices]

Its the American bible-bashing south.

Not surprised but then again I dont give a shit. Science and technology moves along and there are plenty of people who make things happen.

[rob666]

Originally Posted by ices

Its the American bible-bashing south.

Not surprised but then again I dont give a shit. Science and technology moves along and there are plenty of people who make things happen.

Still pretty scary though that people want to drag us backwards.

Religion has no place in public education.

[jacob beghner]

That's fine. And when these people's genetics phase out and dissapate through the moronic sense of seclusion from advancement. It won't matter anymore and the laws will change again. That's usually how broken ideology works. The fucked up part is it still hurts generations of students that are brought up along closed minded communities. Not everyone is the same and should be treated as such. Neither should our children.

[DannyDrama]

Only in America, would you have a law against learning shit. Hyuck hyuck!

[Pelle]

Originally Posted by DannyDrama

Only in America, would you have a law against learning shit. Hyuck hyuck!

True

[bigmikeymike]

"Evolution is a fairy tale for grown ups."


What, and an invisible guy up in the clouds who sees everything and knows everything past, present and future but still sends us to hell if we don't believe (even if that is part of his divine plan) is somehow logical?

Does that make sense? That honestly sounds better to some people than survival of the fittest?

[ices]

Originally Posted by rob666

Still pretty scary though that people want to drag us backwards.

Religion has no place in public education.

Whole countries try and drag us back, let alone the ideals of some people.

All I know is that yes, if left un-checked science and technology is a dangerous thing, but so is religion.

I'd take cures for AIDs over prayers for AID victims tbh.