Academic Freedom and Democracy - ALEC Style

[Triana]

Academic freedom is one of the cornerstones of our educational system, so who could be against it? Representive Gus Blackwell introduced into the 2013 Oklahoma legislature HB 1674, called the "Scientific Education and Academic Freedom Act". But there was something strange about the bill, as science teachers in Oklahoma already have a system ensuring academic freedom. And, the bill only insured Academic freedom in four areas which Representative Blackwell deemed controversial, specifically "biological evolution, the chemical origins of life, global warming, and human cloning". Mr. Blackwell's education and expertise is in religion and business administration, so it's unusual that he knows what is controversial in science. Oklahoma scientists and science educators were almost unanimously opposed to the bill as it is their opinion that there is virtually no scientific controversy on the core facts of global warming and evolution.

The bill allowed "teachers to help students understand certain information about scientific theories; disallowing State Board of Education, district boards of education, and certain administrators from prohibiting teachers from helping students understand certain information about scientific theories." Perhaps the bill would have been more aptly named the "Freedom from Accountability Act". Apparently Mister Blackwell had not thought this through. It would also shield any science teacher, no matter of what religion, who wished to introduce their beliefs into their science classes. The bill even had an emergency clause providing that it be enacted immediately with a letter sent to school officials informing them of the decision. And, why is this now an emergency? The bill passed Oklahoma's education committee by one vote, but fortunately for the quality of science education in Oklahoma, the 2013 session ended without it coming up for a vote. But, you can be sure it will be back.

The unusual nature of this bill can be understood as similar bills, with almost exactly the same wording, have been introduced in about 20 states. It is one of the "model bills" being promoted by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). ALEC is composed of over 300 special interest groups and corporations such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, pharmaceutical companies, and Koch Industries. They sponsor conferences where their representatives meet with state legislative members to collaborate on "model bills" and to draft legislation favoring their special interests. ALEC now has over 1000 "model bills", many of which seek to limit workers rights, limit corporate liabilities, oppose environmental regulations, cut taxes, oppose universal health care, and to privatize such things as education, workmen's compensation, and the prison systems.

THE REST:

http://www.bubblews.com/news/751829-academic-freedom-and-democracy-alec-style

COMMENT: I'm getting mighty sick of these ALEC pricks. Paul Weyrich and his Moral Majority are the basis of ALEC and their goddamned Taliban-style bills

[Half-Century Man]

1. Why don't they call it...

...the Freedom from Education Act? Why burden the common person with an onerous level of information? It won't help them make an informed choice to get the fuck in line and shut up.

[HiPointDem]

2. kr. they're presently engaged in an assault at the state level. it's going to work if there isn't

some serious push-back soon.