The issue of teaching evolution in schools has resurfaced in Kansas. The three incumbent Board members who were removed in Tuesday's primary were the same members who, in a 6-to-4 vote last year, decided to change the science standards to de-emphasize evolution theory. The three conservative Republicans were beaten by moderate Republicans who say they oppose the changes the board made to the science standards. In November, these moderate Republicans will face Democrats who also oppose the changes. Of the six Board members who originally voted to change the standards, only three remain; two are not up for re-election this year, the third won his primary race Tuesday.
Below are some statistics from a Kansas City Star and Wichita Eagle poll that was conducted last November, after the Board's decision to change the science standards. In addition, there is contact information for several people who may be able to add some scientific explanation of the theory of evolution, and the issues involved in removing the theory from Kansas science standards.
KANSAS CITY STAR POLL:
52% of Kansans disagreed with the Board's decision to adopt the new science standards that played down evolution.
32% of voters agreed with the Board's decision.
18% were neutral or not sure.
65% of Kansans said they thought fossils indicated that some sea creatures had developed into land animals.
81% of respondents also said they though dinosaurs lived millions of years ago.
45% of Kansans still believe that God created humans as they are within the last 10,000 years. 49% of Kansans do believe humans evolved, with the vast majority of those saying that God guided the process.
The American Geophysical Union, The Society for Physics Students, and The American Association for the Advancement of Science all also issued statements at the time of the Board of Education's decision to change the science standards.
Experts:
On Science Education
John Staver
Director for the Center for Science Education
University of Kansas
785-532-5918
On Biological Questions
Ken Miller
Professor of Biology
Brown University
401-863-3410
On Geology Questions
Keith Miller
Professor of Geology
Kansas State University
785-532-2250
For the American Geophysical Union:
Harvey Leifert
Press Officer
202-777-7507
hleifert@agu.org
For The Society of Physics Students
Bo Hammer
Director
301-209-3013
bhammer@aip.org