Evolution Diary

Besides the usual academies of science from various states in the US, now we have some non-education organisations,  American Fisheries Society and American Geophysical Union affirming their support for evolution theory.

American Fisheries Society adds its voice for evolution

At its annual meeting in September 2007, the American Fisheries Society adopted a resolution (PDF) concerning the teaching of alternatives to evolution affirming “that the theory of evolution is the only current scientific explanation for the diversity of life on earth for inclusion in the science curricula of public schools,” expressing its opposition to “policies that would allow the teaching of creationism, intelligent design or other political or faithbased doctrines in public school science classes,” and encouraging “citizens, educational authorities and legislators to oppose such policies at the appropriate federal, state and local levels of government.”

Explaining the rationale for the resolution is a background document (PDF) that concludes, “As a society whose members work with natural resources, we should find it particularly disturbing that the theory of evolution, the best available scientific perspective from which to understand natural ecosystems, continues to be the target of political efforts to bring issues of faith and social values into public schools. As a profession that promotes the conservation and sustainable management of aquatic resources through the application of the best available science, our voice should be added to the others speaking out to protect science education in public schools.”

Founded in 1870, the American Fisheries Society is the oldest and largest professional society representing fisheries scientists. It seeks to promote the conservation, development, and wise use of fisheries; promote and evaluate the development and advancement of all branches of fisheries science and practice; gather and disseminate to its members and the general public scientific, technical, and other information about fisheries science and practice through publications, meetings, and other forms of communication; and encourage the teaching of fisheries science and practice in colleges and universities and the continuing education and development of fisheries professionals.

American Geophysical Union adds its voice for evolution

The American Geophysical Union reaffirmed its support for teaching evolution in December 2007, when it adopted a revised version of its Biological Evolution and the History of the Earth Are Foundations of Science statement. The statement begins, “AGU affirms the central importance of including scientific theories of Earth history and biological evolution in science education. Within the scientific community, the theory of biological evolution is not controversial, nor have ‘alternative explanations’ been found,” and concludes by urging its members “to help the public better understand the scientific process, including biological evolution and the history of the Earth, as foundations of science.”

The statement is the latest in a series of statements from the American Geophysical Union supporting the teaching of evolution, starting in 1981. With a worldwide membership of 50,000 researchers, teachers and students, the American Geophysical Union seeks to promote the scientific study of the earth and its environment in space and to disseminate the results to the public, promote cooperation among scientific organizations involved in geophysics and related disciplines, initiate and participate in geophysical research programs, and advance the various geophysical disciplines through scientific discussion, publication, and dissemination of information.

Source from National Center for Science Education