Imagine that you are in an argument with someone concerning an idea that you think has great merit. Your opponent adamantly opposes the idea and actively works to ensure that it is denigrated and disparaged in the public eye.

Your view is that the idea in question is so well-established that it is foolish for anyone to doubt its significance. Just as you begin to express this view, your opponent interrupts to argue that the idea is well-substantiated, well-supported, and well-documented.

You are surprised by such an admission, but then you realize that your opponent has no idea what those words actually mean.

The Bay District School Board in Florida is about to consider whether they will join several other Florida County School Boards to adopt a resolution that would express precisely this type of argument.

Florida's proposed science standards correctly state that evolution is "the fundamental concept underlying all of biology, and is supported in multiple forms of scientific evidence." Unfortunately, some politicians have misinterpreted this to mean that evolution will be taught "as dogmatic fact."

The collective response by Board members across the state has been to argue that evolution must be described in the standards as a "theory."

Ironically, this is like arguing that an Olympian should be disqualified for the offense of finishing in first place.

So go ahead Florida, teach evolution as a well-substantiated, well-supported, and well-documented explanation.

We appreciate your support for REAL science.

Just don't expect to get the gold medal back.