SOCIETY OF VERTEBRATE PALEONTOLOGY (1986)

Be it resolved, that the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology opposes the teaching of so­called "creation science" or "scientific creationism" as a viable alternative to evolutionary explanations of the origin and history of the earth and of life, on the grounds that "creation science" or "scientific creationism" is in its essentials a body of religious doctrines rather than an embodiment of scientific process.

Be it further resolved, that the officers of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology are hereby authorized to investigate the feasibility of associating the Society with one of the briefs of amicus curiae in the Louisiana creationism case now pending before the United States Supreme Court; and that, if feasible, the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology formally associate itself with such a brief opposing the teaching of "scientific creationism" as science.

Unanimously passed at the general business meeting held during the 46th annual meeting in Philadelphia, on 7 November 1986, and distributed by letter over the signature of SVP President Bruce J. MacFadden.

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