Arkansas science teachers are not allowed to use the "E" word.

This is an e-mail sent to a reporter from an Arkansas science teacher.

Teachers at his facility are forbidden to use the “e-word” (evolution)
with the kids. They are permitted to use the word “adaptation” but only to refer to a current characteristic of an organism, not as a product of evolutionary change via natural selection. They cannot even use the term “natural selection.” Bob feared that not being able to use evolutionary terms and ideas to answer his students’ questions would lead to reinforcement of their misconceptions.

But Bob’s personal issue was more specific, and the prohibition more insidious. In his words, “I am instructed NOT to use hard numbers when telling kids how old rocks are. I am supposed to say that these rocks are VERY VERY OLD ... but I am NOT to say that these rocks are thought to be about 300 million years old.”

Why, why, why!

The explanation that had been given to Bob by his supervisors was that their science facility is in a delicate position and must avoid irritating some religious fundamentalists who may have their fingers on the purse strings of various school districts. Apparently his supervisors feared that teachers or parents might be offended if Bob taught their children about the age of rocks and that it would result in another school district pulling out of their program. He closed his explanatory message with these lines:

“So my situation here is tenuous. I am under censure for mentioning numbers. … I find that my ‘fire’ for this place is fading if we’re going to dissemble about such a basic factor of modern science. I mean ... the Scopes trial was how long ago now??? I thought we had fought this battle ... and still it goes on.”

Oh! That is why.

So once again schools are forced to dumb down their curriculum to keep from offending people clinging to their ancient superstitions. I feel so bad for these kids. Unless they attend a bible college they are going to be confronted by real science. Can you imagine how embarrassing it would be sitting in a college classroom and having to ask for clarification of a scientific fact that your classmates all learned while in elementary school?

I try so hard to be tolerant of people who have opinions different then my own, but come on! All of this smacks of desperation! If discovering new information places your belief system in jeopardy then perhaps it is time to get a new one. I hear Scientology is always looking for new members.

I am just trying to be helpful.