The American Humanist Association (AHA) is proud to announce Representative Pete Stark’s (D-CA) proposal of H. Res. 81 calling for the designation of February 12, 2011 as Darwin Day. The resolution is the culmination of collaboration between Representative Stark, the 2008 Humanist of the Year, and the American Humanist Association.

“Darwin’s birthday is a good time for us to reflect on the important role of science in our society,” commented Representative Stark. “It is also a time to redouble our efforts to ensure that children are being taught scientific facts, not religious dogma, and to fight back against those who seek to undermine the science of climate change for political ends.”

“Representative Stark’s Darwin Day resolution is a thrilling step forward for the secular movement,” said Roy Speckhardt, executive director of the American Humanist Association. “Not only is this an opportunity to bring the scientific impact of Charles Darwin to the forefront, but this also signifies the potential for greater respect for scientific reasoning on Capitol Hill. The American Humanist Association appreciates the work done by Rep. Stark’s offices, and their efforts in sponsoring this bill”

The American Humanist Association is mobilizing its 20,000 members and supporters to contact their representatives in support of this resolution.

The resolution points out how “human curiosity and ingenuity exemplified by Darwin” has given rise to new scientific discoveries that expand our knowledge of the world and improve living conditions. It continues to explain how Darwin’s theory of evolution “provides humanity with a logical and intellectually compelling explanation for the diversity of life on Earth” and that the “teaching of creationism in some public schools compromises the scientific and academic integrity of the United States’ education systems.” To read the text of the resolution in its entirety, click here.

“Thirteen percent of our public schools still advocate creationism as the primary cause of life on this planet,” said Speckhardt. “For Congress to step forward and propose a resolution in honor of Darwin sends a clear message – scientific discovery is invaluable to our nation, and our nation’s future.”   

The International Darwin Day Foundation, a project of the American Humanist Association, promotes the celebration of Darwin Day every February 12—the birth date of Charles Darwin—and provides resources and publicity for individuals, groups, museums, universities, and other institutions around the world celebrating the life and legacy of Darwin at www.darwinday.org. Over 400 Darwin Day events for 2011 are registered so far.

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The American Humanist Association (www.americanhumanist.org ) advocates for the rights and viewpoints of humanists. Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., its work is extended through more than 100 local chapters and affiliates across America.

Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism, affirms our responsibility to lead ethical lives of value to self and humanity.