Cafe 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. Suggested background materials will be posted here a few days prior to the meeting. 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.

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.