STOP SB1742 Save Oklahoma Science (SOS)
The sole sponsor of SB 1742 is Josh Brecheen (R-District 6). In 2011, Brecheen introduced Senate Bill 554, which combined a different version of the "academic freedom language" — referring to "the scientific strengths [and] scientific weaknesses of controversial topics ... [which] include but are not limited to biological origins of life and biological evolution" — with a directive for the state board of education to adopt "standards and curricula" that echo the flawed portions of the state science standards adopted in Texas in 2009 with respect to the nature of science and evolution. SB 554 apparently died in committee on February 28, 2011, when a deadline for senate bills to be reported from committee passed.
Oklahomans for Excellence in Science Education is fighting this bill with the help of the National Center for Science Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Oklahoma Academy of Science, Oklahoma Science Teachers Association, Interfaith Alliance and Americans United.
It is widely known that the science community is not divided on these subjects and the only proponents of “alternative theories”, I.D. or Creationism are overtly and/or covertly supporting them for religious reasons.Logic and critical thinking are core teachings of science. The fact is that, no additional laws are required for science, to be taught in science classrooms. Additional laws such as this one are only necessary if you want to teach non-science in science classrooms.
The sole sponsor of SB 1742 is Josh Brecheen (R-District 6). In 2011, Brecheen introduced Senate Bill 554, which combined a different version of the "academic freedom language" — referring to "the scientific strengths [and] scientific weaknesses of controversial topics ... [which] include but are not limited to biological origins of life and biological evolution" — with a directive for the state board of education to adopt "standards and curricula" that echo the flawed portions of the state science standards adopted in Texas in 2009 with respect to the nature of science and evolution. SB 554 apparently died in committee on February 28, 2011, when a deadline for senate bills to be reported from committee passed.
Oklahomans for Excellence in Science Education is fighting this bill with the help of the National Center for Science Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Oklahoma Academy of Science, Oklahoma Science Teachers Association, Interfaith Alliance and Americans United.
It is widely known that the science community is not divided on these subjects and the only proponents of “alternative theories”, I.D. or Creationism are overtly and/or covertly supporting them for religious reasons.
Logic and critical thinking are core teachings of science. The fact is that, no additional laws are required for science, to be taught in science classrooms. Additional laws such as this one are only necessary if you want to teach non-science in science classrooms.
