Science education in Louisiana is about to undergo destruction that rivals Katrina's impact on the Gulf Coast.
Although I'm pessimistic about Gov. Jindal actually vetoing the academic freedom from learning bill, pro-science folks down there have asked that we all contact the governor with a message NOW that this bill should be vetoed. Think of your email as providing the future plaintiffs with more ammo showing that the Governor signed this monstrosity into law knowing full well that the experts in the field regard "teach the controversy" as intelligent design creationism in sheep's clothing.
Some points to consider:
Point 1: The Louisiana law, SB 733, the LA Science Education Act, has national implications. So far, this legislation has failed in every other
state where it was proposed, except in Michigan, where it remains in committee. By passing SB 733, Louisiana has set a dangerous precedent that will benefit the Discovery Institute by helping them to advance their strategy to get intelligent design creationism into public schools. Louisiana is only the beginning. Other states [like Kansas - with creationists Steve Abrams & Iris VanMeter running for state senate - csa] will now be encouraged to pass such legislation, and the Discovery Institute has already said that they will continue their push to get such legislation passed.
Point 2: Since Gov. Jindal's support for teaching ID clearly helped to get this bill passed in the first place, his decision to veto it will stick if he lets the legislature know that he wants it to stick.
Point 3: Simply allowing the bill to become law without his signature does not absolve the governor of the responsibility for protecting the public school science classes of Louisiana. He must veto the bill to show that he is serious about improving Louisiana by improving education. Anything less than a veto means that the governor is giving a green light to creationists to undermine the education of Louisiana children.
state where it was proposed, except in Michigan, where it remains in committee. By passing SB 733, Louisiana has set a dangerous precedent that will benefit the Discovery Institute by helping them to advance their strategy to get intelligent design creationism into public schools. Louisiana is only the beginning. Other states [like Kansas - with creationists Steve Abrams & Iris VanMeter running for state senate - csa] will now be encouraged to pass such legislation, and the Discovery Institute has already said that they will continue their push to get such legislation passed.
Point 2: Since Gov. Jindal's support for teaching ID clearly helped to get this bill passed in the first place, his decision to veto it will stick if he lets the legislature know that he wants it to stick.
Point 3: Simply allowing the bill to become law without his signature does not absolve the governor of the responsibility for protecting the public school science classes of Louisiana. He must veto the bill to show that he is serious about improving Louisiana by improving education. Anything less than a veto means that the governor is giving a green light to creationists to undermine the education of Louisiana children.
I'd add point 4: If Jindal has any hopes of running with McCain, he'd do well to consider that the three Republican evolution deniers - Huckabee, Brownback, and . . . whatsisname - are now former future presidential candidates.
Don't delay - send that email NOW. Thanks to Stacy S. for providing contact information.
posted by Cheryl Shepherd-Adams
