An End Run Around Science

[JoeyKnothead]

Recently some state legislatures have passed 'Academic Freedom' laws, ostensibly to allow for the 'critical examination of scientific theories, including but not limited to evolution, and what not.' What really chaps my goat is the backers of ID have been unable to prove their case in our scientific institutions, and are now trying to legislate their unscientific ideas onto the most susceptible.

My position is this is an attempt to allow the unscientific argument of intelligent design into the classrooms. One need only look to the backers of these laws to see the implications - Focus on the Family and the Discovery Institute to name two.

I also say it is a lie to try to hide the real goals of ones agenda, regardless of whether it is for 'good' or 'bad'.

So the questions up for debate are...

1- Is this an end run around the Constitution?
2- Is it ethical/moral/an out and out lie to use a noble idea to try to sneak an illegal idea into the lawbooks?

This debate should be limited to these questions, and not delve into proof of ID. What I'm looking for is discussion on the issue of using the noble idea of academic freedom to introduce what has been declared an unconstitutional act/subject into our schools.

[McCulloch]

By all means the critical examination of scientific theories should be allowed in academic institutions. Such critical examination should be conducted by those qualified to do so. High school biology teachers should, for example present students with the genuine controversies among those who study biology. Creationism v Evolution is not one of these.

[Jerada Davidhefter]

I personally have no issue with the critical examination of scientific theories. Uncertainty is the foundation of science. Theories should be tested thoroughly from a non-partisan viewpoint. BUT this is the flaw with the attempted legislation: religious undertones are blatantly present in this motion, and seek only to further their own practices.