queue ignorant troll calls of censorship in 5.4.3.2....
I'm not sure it's a good idea to specifically ban ID. They'll just rename it and then we'll have to waste more taxpayer money to show how obviously they just changed the name to "Banjo the Clownism" or summat.
This actually kinda surprises me. I moved from MN shortly before they took a sharp right turn with the concealed carry and waiting period legislation. On one hand, I don't like the fact that this opens the door to charges of "censorship". But then again, the ID/creationist crowd has attempted so many endruns into curriculum through legislatures and other elected bodies. So them being hoist with their own proverbial petard is a rather tasty irony.
And, while Minnesota has no lack of Jesus Junkies (meaning folks who are more interested in looking Christian than acting Christian), my gut feeling is that you're more likely to see an intelligent debate as opposed to shouting matches.
Thanks for the tip-off, Pat: I'll be keeping a closer eye on my erstwhile home.
I'm not sure this is a good idea either. I don't mind if they clarify that only science should be taught in science class, but they should not make a list of what *not* not teach.
This is simply a bad idea and would set a terrible precedent. Would we applaud the legislature for coming down on the side of reason? Yes. Would we feel comfortable with the legislature micromanaging what does and does not constitute appropriate subject material for all courses? Probably not. This is one reason why boards of education, curriculum writing committees, teacher/parent advisory committees, and professional societies exist.
I think they're afraid of incurring the wrath of PZ Myers if they don't pass this law.
They'll face even greater wrath if they do; From what I've seen, PZ doesn't like ANY politicians trying to define science, as they get it wrong no matter what side of broca's divide they're on.
I'm really really... really happy to see this happening here. I am an AP bio student and am glad to see Minnesota finally saying enough is engouh. Science only belongs in the scinece room, nothing else.
For a legislative body to define science makes as much sense as to hold George Bush up as a model of erudition. At most the legislature should simply ask that the schools teach science and leave it up to the academics to define it and an appropriate scope and sequence. Banning something, no matter how bad, sets a very dangerous precedent.
Commenting by HaloScan
