Press Statement - August 20, 1999

(NSB 99-151) PS 99-16
Media contact:	Mary Hanson	(703) 292-8070	mhanson@nsf.gov

Statement by Dr. Eamon M. Kelly
Chairman
National Science Board

On Action by Kansas Board of Education on Evolution

The National Science Board notes with sadness and deep concern the recent action of the Kansas Board of Education to remove evolution from the state-approved science curriculum. Evolution is a well-documented process - and the rich scientific debate about its precise nature will continue to shape our knowledge base.

The Kansas action eliminates the requirement for its children to learn a key element in the body of scientific knowledge. In so doing, it diminishes the quality of education that they are likely to receive. Such actions may be “local” but, if unchallenged, they will ultimately affect the quality of life in this Nation for years to come.

For the NSB statement on this issue, see: www.nsf.gov/nsb/documents/

The National Science Board serves as the governing board of the National Science Foundation and provides advice to the President and the Congress on matters of national science and engineering policy.