Through a public records request, I obtained dozens of emails from the Bossier Parish school district that specifically discuss teaching creationism. Shawna Creamer, a science teacher at Airline High School, sent an email to the principal, Jason Rowland, informing him of which class periods she would use to teach creationism. “We will read in Genesis and them [sic] some supplemental material debunking various aspects of evolution from which the students will present,” Creamer wrote.
In another email exchange with Rowland, a parent had complained that a different teacher, Cindy Tolliver, actually taught that evolution was a “fact.” This parent complained that Tolliver was “pushing her twisted religious beliefs onto the class.” Principal Rowland responded, “I can assure you this will not happen again.”
Another email was sent by Bossier High School assistant principal Doug Scott to Michael Stacy, a biology teacher at that school. “I enjoyed the visit to your class today as you discussed evolution and creationism in a full spectrum of thought,” Scott wrote. “Thank you for the rich content as you bring various sources to bear in your curriculum.”
The Louisiana Science Education Act, passed by the state legislature in 2008, permits science teachers to use supplemental materials to “critique” evolution, opening a backdoor that these teachers are using, as intended, to teach creationism. Such lessons are allowed under this Louisiana law, but they are illegal under federal law.
“We know that one in eight high school biology teachers advocate for creationism, even though it's unconstitutional,” says Josh Rosenau of the National Center for Science Education. “These emails make clear that many teachers are interpreting the Louisiana Science Education Act as allowing such unconstitutional and scientifically-misleading lessons.”
On April 22 the Louisiana Senate Education Committee voted on a bill to repeal the Science Education Act, referred to by many on both sides as the “creationism act.” This was the fifth vote since 2010, and legislators voted 4–3 to keep creationism in Louisiana classrooms.
This kind of thing literally makes me sick to my stomach.
Science is science, and fairy tales are fairy tales, and never the twain shall meet.
What Louisiana is subjecting their students to will cause them no end of discomfort if their intention is to pursue a college degree in a university NOT founded by an evangelist.
Let's face it coming to a regular college classroom convinced that the Biblical version of creation is just as valid as the scientifically vetted theory of evolution is going to seriously impede a student's ability to understand the concepts being taught in a biology class.
I have said it before, but it bears repeating, this is nothing less than child abuse.
I'm always amused by those who claim that 'life' is too complex for Evolution to be true. I reply that they obviously have no real understanding of Biology. 'Life' is too complex for Evolution NOT to be true.
ReplyDeleteIf Louisiana wants to teach creation myths why stop with Christianity? Let's add other stories from other cultures.
ReplyDeleteOh, wait... That's not the point. I forgot. It's all about the Jebus.
Science is facts, nothing more. There is no religion of science, even if certain churches use the word in their title.
As a side note - if there is indeed anarchy in the states without consequence does that mean I can do the same?
Didn't think so. Real life is going to eat those poor mistaught kids for lunch and spot out what's left for breakfast the next day. Child abuse in truth.
I agree, the miseducation of these kids is criminal. But, Connie, you've touched on an even bigger problem: " anarchy in the states without consequences". We seem to be seeing more of this in various states with various special interests. The worst, and maybe the canary in the mine, was Cliven Bundy.
DeleteHas the CDC ever checked out the side-effects of eating squirrel meat? Just wondering - that entire squirrel meat belt has long had a serious IQ problem.
ReplyDeleteIs there such a thing as Mad Squirrel Disease?
DeleteLol. Now you've got me hoping there is.
DeleteThe U.S. Constitution prohibits the establishment of a state religion. Creationists violate their sacred Constitution by doing this.
ReplyDelete"The U.S. Constitution prohibits the establishment of a state religion."
Delete6:02, there's only one problem with that - and it's a BIG one. THEY don't believe that!
Given that Gov. Jindal is cutting LSU's budget by 82% this year, going to college will not be an option for most kids in Louisiana.
ReplyDeleteKeep 'em barefoot and stupid. After all, someone will need to harvest the crops when they deport all the illegals. Right?
DeleteYou cannot use supplementary materials solely as your core curriculum.
ReplyDeleteBut obviously, abiding by the law means nothing to these people.
If my kid were in the school and was coming home spewing this crap, I would yank him out so fast. I'd homeschool over this. Of course, I'm a certificated teacher so I'm capable of homeschooling without buying the fundmentalist educrap.
I assume that Louisiana isn't interested in attracting high tech industries that require critical thinking of employees? They certainly can't be entertaining attracting biotechnology companies.
ReplyDeleteHoly Rollers usineg a "back door" to slip in their religious Beliefs into public schools? They tried it at my son's schools, that the teacher lost her job. What she did was print up batches of addenda, then told the students the material MAY appear in tests and quizzes in the class and in their s,a,t's.
ReplyDeleteThis IS nothing more than child abuse, and on more than one level.
Would the school allow greek and roman pantheism? Muslim Readings? Atheists? I doubt it.
I have no problem with religion schools, as long as my tax dollars aren't being used. They see it as persecution, I see it as abuse, You have the freedom of religion but that doesn't mean on the public's dime. Pay tuition AND school taxes.