By C.J. JANOVY
Not that we'd advocate going back to the days of the not-too-distant past when entertaining wackos like Connie Morris ruled the Kansas Board of Education, but we have to admit we kind of miss the ol' reformed high school slut who pals around with evolution deniers. It's been a couple of quiet years as far as the state school board is concerned, so we've had to look for stories someplace besides the board's attempts to re-create the Scopes Monkey Trial.
Still, we'd be shirking our responsibilities not to point out that several state school board candidates are on the November 4 ballot. And while Pitch political analysts predict that the board will stay safely controlled by reasonable people, Kansans who want to avoid doing any damage (and providing The Pitch with more great stories!) by randomly voting for people they've never heard of can now see what the candidates say about evolution and sex ed.
On Saturday, Kansas Citizens for Science posted the 11 statewide candidates' responses to the KCFS's questionnaire. It's fun reading, if only for the nostalgia of remembering those days just a couple of years ago when Kansas was a national joke:
I have stated publicly and openly that the theory of evolution should be scrutinized along with any other theory that makes its way to the domain of scientific review. I can see no logic in attempting to isolate and protect this theory against the broad range of theories in science, economics, sociology, etc. On this subject, our standards appear to be out of balance. Theories are theories and facts are facts. While some would claim that the theory of evolution is ironclad and without fault, I respectfully disagree, and so do many individuals who belong to the organizations listed above. I know because I’ve visited with them on this very subject. Therefore, it should remain open to criticism, adjustment due to new data and evidence, and overall improvement. -- Dennis Hedke, District 8
Do you support an age-appropriate, medically-accurate, comprehensive approach (often referred to as abstinence plus) to sexual education for the students of Kansas?No – it is up to local boards to determine the program they wish to use if any. If a local board decides to have sex education for students, they I would advise an abstinence until marriage message. -- Kathy Martin, District 6
Thank God, though, for answers like these:
Do you support an age-appropriate, medically-accurate, comprehensive approach (often referred to as abstinence plus) to sexual education for the students of Kansas?Yes. I have always supported children getting the facts. Ignorance is not bliss in this area. --Mary Ca Ralstin, District 2
Do you have any other comments about science education you would wish to share with the voters of Kansas?I believe the theory of evolution should be taught. I also believe in the separation of church and state. Creationism and intelligent design can be taught in social study or religion classes. -- Carolyn L. Campbell, District 4
Here's hoping that the Kansas school board stays boring and we don't have to think about it again until the next election.
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