A glimmer of light in Florida: "Academic Freedom" act would allow public school teachers to present science-based alternatives to Darwin

Greetings all.

I just got a piece of good news here in the Pacific Northwest from an Idaho friend Doctor B telling of a spark of hope for truth and light. Where? Florida.

Doctor B says:
"Academic freedom is on the march in Florida, where an education committee approved a bill which would allow public school teachers to present science-based alternatives to Darwin's theory of evolution. The bill would not prevent the teaching of evolution in Florida's classrooms. Characteristically, the only individuals who brought up religion in testimony were opponents of the bill. Supporters were content to talk about science and the glaring scientific weaknesses of Darwinian theory. The bill now goes to the Senate judiciary committee."

You can read it on Tampa Bay Online:

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/mar/27/me-evolution-bill-moves-forward/

Tampa Tribune writer NICOLA M. WHITE writes:

"It's not about letting religion creep into science classrooms, Sen. Ronda Storms insisted.
It's about protecting the rights of students and teachers who don't agree with the science behind Darwinian evolution, the Republican from Valrico argued before the Senate's pre-k through 12 education committee voted 4-1 Wednesday to approve the bill.
Despite her argument, religion kept coming up anyway, as Storms pressed for her "academic freedom" act. Her bill would allow public school teachers to present science-based alternatives to Darwin's theory of evolution, a theory written into Florida's curriculum standards and one that is held as a fundamental concept of biology by most members of the science community."

Congratulations to Senator Storms. It seems that there remains some intelligence on this third rock from the sun after all.

Submitted with great regard for the esteemed Senator,

D.U.