Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) – Deja Vu: Teaching Evolution in Public Schools

Kate Lynnes looks at the history of judicial action in the teaching of evolution, from Scopes to Kitzmiller to Mahmoud. This past July marked one hundred years since John Scopes, a public high school teacher in Dayton, Tennessee, was convicted for violating a state law against the teaching of evolution. After decades of battles over teaching evolution, the absolutely blistering 136-page Kitzmiller v. Dover decision issued by Judge John E. Jones in December 2006 – which ruled intelligent design was a religious view and not a scientific theory – appeared to drive a stake through the heart of the alleged “controversy”. Unfortunately, as empowered Christian Nationalists and the right-leaning Supreme court continue to push for more conservative Christianity in public schools, the teaching of science, including evolution, continues to be under threat. Kate’s presentation will give some highlights from the Scopes Trial Centennial Conference, held this past July in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and briefly summarize the current challenges to protecting science education in public schools. For background, the National Center for Science Education has this summary of 10 major court cases about evolution and creationism. Here is the recent Supreme Court decision in the matter of Mahmoud v. Taylor which has disturbing possible implications for the teaching of evolution in schools. Here is a link to a summary of the Scopes Trial Centennial Conference events. Finally, if you want to dive deeper into this topic here is a PDF of selected readings. Hope to see you there!

Café Inquiry starts with a short introduction of the day’s topic, followed by casual discussion.

This event is free and open to the public. Donations appreciated, but not expected.

Attendees are able to future propose topics which would align with Michigan Humanist’s purpose: from atheism, agnosticism, humanism, secularism, and freethinking to broader subjects in science and humanities, such as religion, philosophy, social issues, politics, evolution, morality, ethics, and psychology.

To access the choir room enter the building via the Fountain Street entrance. (There may be scaffolding in place due to construction, but you can walk under it). Take the elevator or stairs to the second floor, and follow the Michigan Humanist signs. Or ask directions from someone. The choir room is located on the left at the south end of the west hallway.

Parking information – Street parking, if you can find it, is free on Sunday. The nearby GRCC Parking structure is free until 3 PM on Sunday, although this is not advertised. You will need to take a ticket to enter the structure but the exit gate will be open if you leave before 3 PM. Parking is also available free for up to 2 hours in the Public Library lot for patrons. You will need to have your ticket validated in the library. If walking for any distance is a problem for you, please contact us and we’ll see what can be arranged.

Café Inquiry (Grand Rapids) meets each month IN PERSON on the second Sunday and ONLINE on the fourth Sunday.

—

Michigan Humanists values the participation of all guests — requests for reasonable accommodation may be made by contacting the event host at least three days prior to the event.

Michigan Humanists expects all guests to engage in respectful discussion. Please visit the Michigan Humanist Culture and Expectations page for more information. Speak to the event host or contact info@michiganhumanists.org if you feel these expectations are being violated.

Events are made possible by your financial support. Michigan Humanists is a 501(c)3 non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible as provided by law. Donations to Michigan Humanists can be made at https://www.michiganhumanists.org/donate/