*sigh*

[acroyear]

A school principal effectively censored a student's op-ed on Evolution from the school paper, claiming that by saying it is the only scientific theory, the student was being insensitive "for those who hold other theories" (not that there are any, of course).

Pharyngula: Sometimes, I think public school administrators are the real enemy:

He is supposed to be a professional educator, and the unbiased status of the theory is that it is the only legitimate explanation for life's diversity; no other explanation, including the page and a half of poetic metaphor and myth included in the book of Genesis, is even close. When censoring well-supported scientific ideas, hiding behind a false objectivity is not an option.

"The law gives the principal the responsibility to edit publications of the school," Bezy said. "It is an important responsibility because the principal has to look out for the rights and sensitivities of all students, especially in a diverse and multicultural area."

Man, this guy sounds like a pompous gasbag. All this talk about sensitivities and multiculturalism isn't being used to promote a diversity of ideas: he's using it to squelch the expression of any opinions that differ from the flavorless, mealy pablum to which he wants the cultural environment of the school reduced. A "diverse and multicultural area" should be one where there is an outspoken clash of ideas, not one where disagreement is silenced.

The end result of all of this really is quite simple: from "No Child Left Behind" to "No Child Gets Ahead" to finally "No Child Gives a Damn".

Comments

[thewhitedragon.livejournal.com]

and we wonder why we're so behind other countries in education... *le sigh*

I see it as this: Creationists can believe their theory all they want but until concrete proof is shown to provide evidence, it should not be taught in *any* class except philosphy and only as a option. I mean, just because I believe that I could jump off this 10 story building in which I work and, by flapping my arms quickly, allow myself to coast gently to the ground doesn't mean I won't make a loud squishy noise when I hit the pavement below - it's a proven law of the universe and not just some fable.

[mareska.livejournal.com]

Or as one of my students so poignantly put it, "We can't leave anyone behind if we don't go very far."