For Immediate Release
Contact: Sam Gerard, (202) 238-9088, sgerard@americanhumanist.org
(Washington DC, February 12, 2020) – American Humanist Association (AHA) leaders welcomed the introduction of legislation recognizing Darwin Day. House Resolution 847 and Senate Resolution 495 were introduced yesterday by Representative Jim Himes (D-CT) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).
The resolutions commemorate the birthday of famed biologist Charles Darwin, February 12, as a national celebration of evolution and science while opposing the teaching of creationism in public school science classrooms.
“It is essential that we recognize the value of truth and science, especially in today’s culture where facts and evidence are under relentless assault,” said Representative Himes. “As we face down a challenging future, full of existential challenges, we must inspire future generations of scientists, researchers, and academics to tackle the world’s toughest problems. There has never been a time more appropriate to recognize one of the world’s greatest scientists and thinkers.”
“I am proud to champion Charles Darwin’s important legacy and celebrate the generations of scientists he inspired,” said Blumenthal. “Darwin Day honors Darwin’s immense contributions to natural science and their profound advancement of our understanding of the world. On this day, we reflect and remember that the relentless pursuit of science and human knowledge is invaluable in assuring the progress of humankind and the survival of our planet.”
The American Humanist Association worked closely with Representative Himes and Senator Blumenthal, their staff, and other members of Congress to introduce this timely legislation. “While we take care not to deify our heroes of the past and recognize their flaws, we are pleased to continue to recognize the groundbreaking scientific achievements of famed scientist Charles Darwin,” noted AHA Executive Director Roy Speckhardt. “Humanists recognize that evolution education matters today—it is our ground zero from which we advance science and discovery that impacts us all, from students and researchers, to advocates and policy makers, to the general public who must live with the resultant policies and medical care.”
While groups across the nation are participating in Darwin Day events, the AHA highlights the Connecticut Coalition of Reason for helping to advance this resolution in Congress, and for their work with Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, who proclaimed February 12, 2020 as Darwin day, citing the need to protect “the advancement of science and courageous free inquiry.”
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The International Darwin Day Foundation, founded by Dr. Robert Stephens in 1993, is a project of the American Humanist Association. Its mission is to promote the public education of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and to encourage the celebration of science and humanity.
The American Humanist Association (AHA) works to protect the rights of humanists, atheists, and other nontheistic Americans. The AHA advances the ethical and life-affirming worldview of humanism, which—without beliefs in gods or other supernatural forces—encourages individuals to live informed and meaningful lives that aspire to the greater good of humanity.