National science groups ask (South Dakota) lawmakers to drop 'alternative facts' bill

[IthinkThereforeIAM]

Source: Sioux Falls ArgusLeader (Gannett)

PIERRE -- A host of national science groups have launched campaigns aimed at convincing South Dakota lawmakers to vote down a bill that would let teachers address strengths and weaknesses of scientific theories like evolution and climate change.

Ahead of the South Dakota House Education Committee hearing Monday, a handful of national science, education and free-speech groups sent letters to leaders in the House of Representatives and called on local members to urge their lawmakers to oppose Senate Bill 55.

Groups including the American Institute of Biological Sciences, National Association of Geoscience Teachers, National Association of Biology Teachers, National Teachers Association and National Coalition Against Censorship have sent letters to lawmakers warning that the bill's passage could allow teachers to instruct on alternative theories that aren't approved by local school boards or the state department of education.

Read more: http://www.argusleader.com/story/news/politics/2017/02/03/national-science-groups-ask-lawmakers-drop-alternative-facts-bill/97406270/

---

Showing their appreciation of Bannon and corrupt state government

[AllaN01Bear]

1. go for it

wish the other side would realize that there is a separation clause in the condition , oh i forgot , silly me, Constitution be damned .and another thing , i am sick and tired of theim shoving their beliefs down my throat.

[riversedge]

2. oh crap. I am sure the exhibit of Noah's Ark will be in Alternative "Lies"!!

[woundedkarma]

3. Maybe I'm missing something...

Either I'm missing something or fighting this bill is *wrong* particularly for pro-science people.

Science is built on people considering the flaws, the alternatives and asking questions. I get that it opens the door to creationism and climate science denial but if this is "a bill that would let teachers address strengths and weaknesses of scientific theories like evolution and climate change" is true, then this is a bill that everyone who holds to the scientific method can agree with.

[MBS]

7. a review of the history of the famous Dover PA trial should help you understand.

Here's the Wikipedia article on this issue https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitzmiller_v._Dover_Area_School_District

Under external links, you'll see the url to Judge Jones' thoughtful, knowledgeable decision of Dec 2005 (even written in English rather than legalese!). The article also links to relevant TV documentaries.

This was one case in which our legal and judicial system really did its job. The lawyers defending the teachers were committed and extremely competent. And Judge Jones is what every judge should be: someone who really studies the case, tries to ferret out the facts, and makes his decision on the facts. He is, in fact, one of my heroes.

BTW, he is a Republican (appointed by W.), and a Lutheran (if memory serves).

[modrepub]

8. In a classroom setting

you want to learn the concept. The denialists want to disparage the theory in place of teaching it. Have read about how professors at the college level handle creationists who they run into in their classes. They are careful to explain to these people that they're only interested in their students understanding the basic principles of the theory (not if they accept it).

[SCVDem]

4. Theories are more than a hypothesis

but less than a law.

With all the work scientists have done to make the movement from hypothesis to theory to law, I just can't see how a teacher in the hub of scientific research, South Dakota, feels equal to the post docs and specialists who have spent years to research these matters, with their biased opinions.

Science has no need for supernatural influence in research. It's too easy to give up and assign the outcome to God.

Neils DeGrasse Tyson said he would move said scientists out of cutting edge research and put them in manufacturing with that mindset. (I watched him say that last night on YouTube).

Simply put, when scientific outcomes are at odds with the Bible, just change your interpretation of the Bible. Goat herders weren't scientists. They had no idea how things worked but put them in their history book, the Bible.

You don't indoctrinate kids with religion in science class. The scientists don't invade your Sunday School giving YOU alternate theories for the book! Show similar courtesy.

(I get pissed when science is being attacked by laypersons without a clue what they are attacking)

[IthinkThereforeIAM]

5. That...

... this opens the door for science teachers to replace evolution with creationism or whatever mumbo jumbo they want to insert, with no recourse.

[grantcart]

6. There is only one effective strategy for this shit

Blackball all students from SD schools and Universities from being accepted into colleges and universities outside of SD.

It will be repealed in a NY minute.