More about NCSE

HISTORY

During the late 1970s and early 1980s, citizens of several states were appalled to learn that bills promoting "scientific creationism" were appearing in their state legislatures. Other Americans and Canadians were distressed that their local school boards were being pressured to allow, or even encourage, the teaching of "scientific creationism". Groups of scientists, teachers, parents, clergy and interested citizens banded together to oppose "scientific creationism." They had many reasons for doing so: They wanted to maintain the integrity of science education, so that their children would not be taught factual nonsense and a distorted view of how science works. They worried about separation of church and state, because "scientific creationism" is in reality a restatement of Biblical literalist religious doctrine. Parents and clergy who were not literalists were concerned that their own religious views would be undermined in public school classrooms.

These concerned citizens formed "Committees of Correspondence"; like their namesakes in the Colonial period, they saw themselves as associations of citizens seeking to share information on questions of public policy. In 1981, several Committees of Correspondence founded the National Center for Science Education (NCSE), and in 1983, NCSE was incorporated. NCSE was founded to provide a central information and resource clearinghouse, helping to coordinate the efforts of people working at state and local leve ls to preserve the integrity of science education.

The best guarantee of good education is public understanding of the issues. NCSE continues to work constructively to promote public awareness of the importance of science education, and the role of evolution in science education. Meanwhile, even though the 1980s and 1990s have seen several court decisions confirming that religiously inspired "scientific creationism" may not be taught instead of or alongside evolution, pressure to teach "scientific creationism" continues. Most of NCSE's work still involves supporting citizens who oppose "scientific creationism" at the state and local level.

WHAT IS NCSE'S RELIGIOUS POSITION?

NONE! The National Center for Science Education is not affiliated with any religious organization or belief. We and our members enthusiastically support the right of every individual to hold, practice, and advocate their beliefs, religious or non-religious. Our members range from devout practitioners of several religions, to atheists, with many shades of belief in between. What unites them is a conviction that science and the scientific method, and not any particular religious belief, should determine science curriculum.

WHAT IS NCSE'S POSITION ON CONTROVERSIES ABOUT CIVIL LIBERTIES AND EDUCATION?

NCSE sometimes works with organizations that have broad concerns about civil liberties or public education, but only when evolution education is involved. When there is legislation proposed in these areas, we may inform our members of how evolution would be affected. Otherwise, we do not advocate any positions or legislation concerning civil liberties or the schools.

WHO SUPPORTS NCSE?

Like the founding Committees of Correspondence, NCSE's members come from all walks of life. Many are teachers and professional scientists who care intensely about the quality of science education. Others are parents, clergy, science enthusiasts, and concerned citizens. Official supporters are distinguished individuals who have endorsed the goals of the National Center for Science Education.