Yes, I know that a theory is a credible belief in terms of science. However that is not what this is about. They caved.
ON EDIT: They did not add the word "theory" to show their respect for scientific facts. I want to make it clear that I understand about a scientific theory. This was done to compromise. We have compromised too often.
Martinez wanted the standards adopted as written by the experts asked to devise them. He noted the National Academy of Sciences gave its approval to the original version. He said the last-minute option was diluted one created to "placate those people who had concerns about the evolution standards."
From the Orlando Sentinel:
More on the vote on evolution and Florida's new science standardsA divided State Board of Education approved new science standards for Florida's public schools that, for the first time, require teaching evolution. But the board, by a 4-3 vote, adopted a last-minute alternative that inserted the phrase "scientific theory of" in front of evolution and other concepts.
That alternative version was frowned on by many of the scientists and science educators who helped write the new standards. And some of the critics of the standards (who did not like the treatment of evolution at all) said the alternative did not go far enough in allowing teachers the "academic freedom" to discuss other views on how life on earth developed.
The most vocal board members before the vote were Roberto Martinez, a Coral Gables attorney, and Donna Callaway, a retired Tallahassee principal. Both voted "No" -- but for very different reasons. Martinez wanted the standards adopted as written by the experts asked to devise them. He noted the National Academy of Sciences gave its approval to the original version. He said the last-minute option was diluted one created to "placate those people who had concerns about the evolution standards."
This dialogue when the vote took place shows the thinking of a majority of the Florida Board of Education. I find it inappropriate that the four of them included their religious views in their vote to affect public education.
Though she had previously told the Florida Baptist Witness she would vote "No," she said today that she did not think her religious views colored her decision. Callaway said she was not advocating creationism or intelligent design be taught but that students "know what we know," that is there may be other theories.
Martinez then asked, "What is the alternative theory?"
Callaway said, "You're saying there is only one theory."
Martinez: "I say that evolution is a fact and it is a fundamental fact."
Callaway: "There is a great difference of opinion in the world...There may be other theories ... This is a point of debate."
Martinez: "Its not a point of debate or controversy in the mainstream scientific community."
Callaway, it appears, switched her vote because they compromised on scientific thought. I am amazed at how the fundamentalists control the dialogue in Florida. It happened before we knew it.
Sometimes the dialogue seems intelligent enough, but sometimes it gets out of control when the wedge issues like abortion, gays, and evolution come into play. I posted
this video of a man speaking at one of the evolution hearings. I would like to think it is the exception.
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