The National Academies, long time supporters of the position that the theory of evolution alone be taught as a "central element in any science education program," have launched a new Website to be used as public resource for information on evolution.
The Website, http://nationalacademies.org/evolution, provides access to books, position statements, and additional resources on evolution education and research. The materials are produced by the National Academies and other sources.
"Over the past several years, there has been a growing movement around the country to include non-scientifically based 'alternatives' in science courses," wrote the National Academies in a press release. "Currently there are challenges to the teaching of evolution in some 40 states or local school districts."
In recent months, the National Academies have become more active in their opposition to attempts by school districts to challenge the teaching of evolution.
In January 2005, a federal judge ordered the Cobb County, GA school board to remove stickers questioning the validity of evolution from its biology textbooks, on the grounds that the wording of the stickers violated the U.S. Constitution. The stickers read, "This textbook contains material on evolution. Evolution is a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things. This material should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully and critically considered." The ruling has been appealed.
A proposal currently before the Missouri House of Representatives would require the state's schools to include the teaching of "Intelligent Design" in high school biology courses as an alternative to evolution.
In a March 4, 2005 letter to members, National Academies President Bruce Alberts wrote, "We stand ready to help others in addressing the increasingly strident attempts to limit the teaching of evolution or to introduce non-scientific "alternatives" into science courses and curricula."
The National Academies include the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, and National Research Council. They are private, nonprofit institutions functioning under a congressional charter. Members of the Academies serve as volunteers to address national issues and give advice to the federal government and the public.
