Palin on Teaching Evolution in Schools
As part of a series of interviews on the "CBS Evening News," anchor Katie Couric asked Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin last night about whether evolution should be taught in schools.
Couric: Do you believe evolution should be taught as an accepted scientific principle or as one of several theories?Palin: Oh, I think it should be taught as an accepted principle. And, as you know, I say that also as the daughter of a school teacher, a science teacher, who has really instilled in me a respect for science. It should be taught in our schools. And I won't deny that I see the hand of God in this beautiful creation that is Earth. But that is not part of the state policy or a local curriculum in a school district. Science should be taught in science class.
Scientists across the country were likely heartened to hear Palin shift her position on the teaching of evolution in schools. Addressing the issue of teaching evolution and creationism during a televised debate during her 2006 campaign for governor of Alaska, she said: "Teach both. You know, don’t be afraid of information. Healthy debate is important, and I am a proponent of teaching both.”
If you want to watch the video below, the evolution exchange is around minute 7:30.
Comments
"And I won't deny that I see the hand of God in this beautiful creation that is Earth."
That seems a little bit like dog-whiste politics but I guess it's the best you can expect from a Republican right now.
Posted by: Ouabache | October 1, 2008 2:53 PM
For the last five years of my full-time career, with the full knowledge (and dismay) of state and county school officials as well as the ACLU I demonstrated to my students that mathematics proves beyond the shadow of doubt that evolutionism is nonsense. The students saw that the evidence clearly shows that every item associated with humans, animals and plants are Intelligent Designs and Intelligent Design is science. I always let the students figure it out for themselves and allowed them to believe what they chose, but at least they were exposed to the scientific facts that extremists want to censor from the minds of public school students.
Evolutionists are bluffing when they say their beliefs are scientific. Be sure to look at the list of evolutionists who refuse the debate challenge from Dr. Joseph Mastropaolo. See the list at http://www.lifescienceprize.org/
Posted by: Karl | October 1, 2008 7:34 PM
I think it's amazing that you believe her...
Posted by: Clay Atlas | October 2, 2008 2:17 AM
Is education likely to come up at all in tonight's Veep debates? Anything educators should expect to hear from either candidate?
Posted by: Laura | October 2, 2008 2:04 PM
I know I shouldn't feed a troll, but...
Should anyone be interested, the TalkOrigins Archive discusses Karl's claim above.
http://www.talkorigins.org/indexcc/CA/CA343.html
Posted by: Scott | October 2, 2008 6:30 PM