Dr. Alan Leshner is the chief executive officer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the world's largest general scientific society. He is also the executive publisher Science, the world's leading journal of original scientific research, global news, and commentary.
That means he knows a little something about the relationship between science and the global economy.
Here's what Dr. Leshner has to say to those who would like to water down the teaching of evolution in the state of Texas:
Texas has earned a reputation as an innovation powerhouse in fields ranging from agriculture and life sciences to high technology and space exploration.
But in a report issued this summer, a panel of Texas business, education and government leaders warned that without "critical changes" in state schools - especially in science-related instruction - the state will lose its global competitive edge.
It appears, however, that some members of the State Board of Education are working on a different agenda. Last week, they appointed three anti-evolution activists, including a leader of the "intelligent design" religious campaign, to a six-member panel that will review proposed new science curriculum standards.
The new standards will shape how science education is taught in Texas for the next decade, and it would be a terrible mistake to water down the teaching of evolution in any way.
But in a report issued this summer, a panel of Texas business, education and government leaders warned that without "critical changes" in state schools - especially in science-related instruction - the state will lose its global competitive edge.
It appears, however, that some members of the State Board of Education are working on a different agenda. Last week, they appointed three anti-evolution activists, including a leader of the "intelligent design" religious campaign, to a six-member panel that will review proposed new science curriculum standards.
The new standards will shape how science education is taught in Texas for the next decade, and it would be a terrible mistake to water down the teaching of evolution in any way.
Be sure to read the rest of Leshner's editorial in Wednesday's edition of the Houston Chronicle.
And, if you haven't done so already, show your support for REAL science in Texas by signing the Texas Freedom Network's "Stand Up for Science" petition.
posted by Jeremy Mohn
