SIGMA XI, LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY CHAPTER, BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA
The LSU Chapter of Sigma Xi urges the reconsideration and repeal of the "Balanced Treatment for CreationScience and EvolutionScience Act" which in 1981 became part of Louisiana law.
The current science curriculum is the result of numerous discoveries and critical studies by scientists over many decades. The scientific process affords equal treatment to every theory by requiring it to face the evidence successfully before it becomes part of the science curriculum. The theory called "creation science" cannot successfully face the evidence. The Act constitutes intervention by the State to give that theory a standing it has not earned. The Act, if put into effect, would violate academic freedom and weaken science education. This is a time for strengthening educational standards and programs, particularly in science.
Approved by mail ballot of the membership and released 15 February 1982.