Texas Scientists Speak Out

The Dallas Morning News has an article reporting an organized effort on the part of Texas scientists to oppose the changes in the state science guidelines advocating teaching the "strengths and weaknesses" of evolution. The writer notes:

The State Board of Education is considering new science curriculum standards. It is expected to vote next spring. Because Texas is such a large purchaser of textbooks, its ongoing science debate affects textbooks nationwide.

An academic work group proposed that Texas standards for biology courses eliminate the long-held language of teaching students the "strengths and weaknesses" of theories.

The science coalition supports that language change because it says talking of "weaknesses" of evolution allows for religion-based concepts like creationism and intelligent design to enter the instruction. The Texas Freedom Network, an Austin-based group that says it monitors the influence of the religious right, also praises the proposed language change.

But they say they fear State Board of Education members, led by chairman and creationist Don McLeroy, will switch the language back before the final vote.

I think that people on those boards should have to have a minimum amount of knowledge of different subjects. This might be done as an administered test. Being a dentist does not qualify you to lecture on biology.