Oklahomans for Excellence in Science Education, Inc. is a non-profit educational organization that seeks to inform the public about the methods and values of science and advocates excellence in the science curriculum. Activities include workshops for science teachers and the operation of a speakers’ bureau. OESE organizes opposition against anti-science legislation but does not endorse or censure particular political parties or candidates. Since 1999, OESE has been successful in helping to prevent the implementation of all anti-science bills that have been proposed in the Oklahoma legislature.
ANTI-SCIENCE EDUCATION LEGISLATION IN OKLAHOMA
No bills directly attacking science education were introduced in this year’s Oklahoma legislative session. We will be closely following SB 1470 by Standridge, the Students’ Religious Belief Protection Act. The bill bans public schools from employing or contracting with “a person that promotes positions in the classroom or at any function of the public school that is in
opposition to closely held religious beliefs of students.” The bill would allow people to sue teachers if they offer an opposing view from the students’ religious beliefs. The bill might allow students to object to the teaching of evolution or other science topics. More info at Mic, the Independent, the Sensuous Curmudgeon, Truthout, Wonkette, PinkNews, Inside Edition, Forbes, Center for Inquiry, and the Friendly Atheist. Bill text here.
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