2005 Montana Legislature
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SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 8
INTRODUCED BY K. TOOLE
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE AND SUPPORTING THE RIGHT OF LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEES TO ADOPT A SCIENCE CURRICULUM BASED ON SOUND SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES AND SUPPORTED BY SCIENCE TEACHERS, PARENTS, AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
WHEREAS, a high quality science education is critically important to Montana students to be able to participate in today's technologically driven society; and
WHEREAS, the statewide science standards adopted by the Board of Public Education and implemented through a science curriculum designed by local boards of trustees across the state have resulted in a very high quality education system in our state; and
WHEREAS, Montana is fortunate to have many knowledgeable science teachers who are well qualified to determine appropriate strategies and tools for teaching science to Montana's students; and
WHEREAS, there are a number of national fundamentalist organizations seeking to force local schools to adopt a science curriculum that conforms to their particular religious beliefs and includes theories commonly referred to as creationism, creation science, and intelligent design theory; and
WHEREAS, in 1999, these organizations were successful in pressuring the Kansas State Board of Education into removing evolution theory from the science curriculum, resulting in the State of Kansas being held up to national ridicule and portraying that state in a very negative light; and
WHEREAS, these national efforts undermine a community's local control, a teacher's academic freedom, and a student's opportunity to receive quality science education; and
WHEREAS, the doctrine of separation of church and state protects citizens, churches, and religious organizations from the government adopting or endorsing a particular religion's teachings.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
(1) That the Montana Legislature support local adoption of a science curriculum that is based on sound scientific principles and supported by science teachers, parents, and the local community.
(2) That the Montana Legislature oppose the efforts of national organizations seeking to impose their religious interpretations of events and phenomena on local schools under the guise of science curricula.
(3) That the Montana Legislature recognize the importance of teaching Montana students about religious traditions, beliefs, and history and encourage inclusion of these topics in religious studies, sociology, and history.
(4) That the Montana Legislature recognize the importance of and support the separation of church and state to protect religious freedom of all citizens to worship as their conscience guides them.
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1 comment:
So... What exactly would this bill do? One problem I do see is that it could be local groups in isolated parts of the state that instigate future Christian-based science programs. This bill seems to open the door for that: SUPPORTING THE RIGHT OF LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEES TO ADOPT A SCIENCE CURRICULUM BASED ON SOUND SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES AND SUPPORTED BY SCIENCE TEACHERS, PARENTS, AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
The definition of 'sound scientific principles' is just what may be up in the air here. Can we trust that each and every locality will understand that creationist science does not stand up to 'sound scientific principles', or do we need a state-wide declaration, perhaps created or endorsed by Montana's science teachers, stating clearly what 'sound scientific principles' are, how evolution-theory fits within them, and how creationist-theory does not?
A state-wide declaration does take the issue out of the hands of communities, but puts it in the hands of the states science teachers instead. Imagine a small community with but one science teacher going up against several creationist preachers... the poor man/woman simply wouldn't have the resources to combat an effort by creationists, unless there were clearly a number of other community members understanding the issues.
What this bill does clearly indicate is that it may be outside organizations which lead the charge for a creationist curriculum. But it seems to me that outside organizations, beit national evangelical groups, the Catholic church, or others, can and will continue to exert influence on local communities. The bill also recognizes the importance of people's freedom of religion.
What I would prefer to see is stronger language aimed not only at protecting the rights of local school boards, but the rights and responsibilities of science teachers in every community in the state. One of the debilitating problems faced by Montana's Universities is the inequality of the learning of incoming freshmen. While some have had a stellar education in public high-schools, others have been sent to the University with little better than a 9th grade education. While I am all for community rights in these matters, it should also be imperative that somebody watches over their decisions and the education of their pupils.
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