ESA Position » Statements:
Endorsement of AAAS Evolution Statement
The Ecological Society of America endorses the AAAS Statement on the Kansas State Board of Education Decision on the Education of Students in the Science of Evolution and Cosmology.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science deplores the recent
decision by the Kansas State Board of Education to remove references to
evolution and cosmology from its state education standards and assessments,
thereby making central principles for the scientific understanding of the
universe and its history optional subjects for science education. This decision
by the Board is a serious disservice to students and teachers in the State of
Kansas. To become informed and responsible citizens in our increasingly
technological world, students need to study and judge for themselves the
empirical evidence and concepts central to current scientific understanding.
The actions of the State Board of Education may place Kansas
students at a competitive disadvantage in their education and work
environments. By discouraging teachers from using the best available
professional knowledge about the nature and history of the universe, the
Board's decision will make it more difficult for Kansas to recruit capable and
inspiring science teachers.
Recognizing that the State Board of Education decision is a serious setback for
public education in the State of Kansas, the AAAS adopts the following
resolution:
Whereas, it has never been more important for American citizens to achieve a
basic understanding of contemporary science and technology; and
Whereas, the concepts and evidence inextricably linked to our understanding of
the nature and history of the universe are fundamental to the basic education
of all Americans; and
Whereas, learning succeeds best when teachers and students can explore,
investigate, and criticize the fundamental concepts and ideas in science; and
Whereas, learning and inquiry are severely inhibited if teachers are placed in
a position where they may feel pressured to alter their teaching of the
fundamental concepts of science in response to demands external to the
scientific disciplines,
Therefore Be It Resolved, that the AAAS urges the citizens of Kansas to restore
the topics of evolution and cosmology to the state curriculum. AAAS stands
ready to assist all concerned citizens of Kansas in securing the repeal of this
damaging ruling by the State Board of Education.
Therefore Be It Further Resolved, that the AAAS and others committed to
educational excellence in science work aggressively to oppose measures that
could adversely affect the teaching of science, wherever they may occur.
Therefore Be It Further Resolved, that the AAAS encourages its affiliated
societies to endorse this resolution and to communicate their support to the
citizens and appropriate public officials in Kansas.
Adopted by the AAAS Board of Directors , October 15, 199
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The Ecological Society of America is the country's primary professional organization
of ecologists, representing over 9,700 scientists in the United States and around
the world. Since its founding in 1915, ESA has diligently pursued the promotion
of the responsible application of ecological principles to the solution of environmental
problems through ESA reports, journals, research, and expert testimony to Congress.
For more information about the Society and its activities, visit the ESA website
at http://www.esa.org.
