stand up for REAL science

The future of science education in Louisiana continues to ricochet between pro-science and anti-science forces.

[Update, 0612 01-14-09: The BESE ended up stripping this language from the guidelines: "Materials that teach creationism or intelligent design or that advance the religious belief that a supernatural being created humankind shall be prohibited for use in science classes."]

Earlier, Jeremy noted that the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Educators will meet today to discuss policy language for the state school administrators' handbook. That handbook will include guidelines for determining which supplemental materials can be used under the new Louisiana Science Education Act (LSEA), Louisiana's version of the "academic freedom" legislation. Proposed language included provisions that would prohibit materials promoting creationism or intelligent design from being used as science sources. As Jeremy pointed out earlier, this language is consistent with Section D of the LSEA:

D. This Section shall not be construed to promote any religious doctrine, promote discrimination for or against a particular set of religious beliefs, or promote discrimination for or against religion or nonreligion.

But this morning, the Associated Press reports in theadvertiser.com that a key phrase has been dropped from the guidelines:

"Religious beliefs shall not be advanced under the guise of encouraging critical thinking."

This phrase is entirely consistent with section 3 of the LSEA. Why was it eliminated? Could it have something to do with complaints from the chair of the Louisiana Family Forum that the earlier draft was "hostile to religion" and a "cheap shot?"

The Discovery Institute's John West isn't happy about what remains in the guidelines:

"materials that teach creationism or intelligent design or that advance the religious belief that a supernatural being created humankind shall be prohibited for use in science classes."

Of course West isn't happy. The Discovery Institute's new publication, Explore Evolution - I can't in good conscience refer to it as a textbook - would lose a willing and gullible market if its use is prohibited in science classes. This phrase also brings intelligent design to the same religious level as creationism as both rely on religious beliefs that "a supernatural being created humankind."

According to the Times-Picayune,

Supporters of the law are not happy either, saying that the latest draft rules gut the act and ignore the Legislature's intent. A leading policy fellow at the Discovery Institute, a Seattle group that publishes educational materials [educational? - csa] and has advocated for the Louisiana law, called the proposed science instruction guidelines unconstitutional.

But if the Legislature's intent was to promote critical thinking and academic freedom, then why is the Discovery Institute so miffed that religious publications aren't to be used as science references?

West acknowledged the DI's work with the Louisiana Family Forum, an affiliate of James Dobson's Focus on the Family:

A Discovery Institute representative is trying to travel to Baton Rouge for today's hearing, West said. He also confirmed that his group has continued advising the Louisiana Family Forum on the law. The Baton Rouge-based organization often pushes for more religious expressions in the public sphere. The Forum's executive director, the Rev. Gene Mills, did not return a request for comment.

One wonders why West is still maintaining that religious motivations aren't behind these shenanigans.