Darwin on the Palouse Celebrates Science and Reason

MEDIA ADVISORY

January 20, 2016

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The 2016 Darwin on the Palouse will be held on February 6, 2016, in Pullman, Washington.

WHAT: Darwin on the Palouse is a free event to celebrate biologist Charles Darwin’s contributions to humanity, science and rational thought. This event is hosted by the Palouse Coalition of Reason, comprised of the Humanists of the Palouse and the Secular Student Alliance (SSA) affiliates of the University of Idaho and Washington State University (WSU).

WHEN AND WHERE: Saturday, February 6, 2016, in the WSU Jr. Ballroom at 6:30pm

The WSU Jr. Ballroom is located in the Cub Compton Student Union Building, and there is limited space for parking in the adjacent library, or $3.00 for all day parking in the Smith Center parking garage located off of Stadium Way Drive. More information about the location can be found at the WSU Parking Website and through the WSU Parking Map (PDF).

WHO: Glenn Branch, deputy director of the National Center for Science Education, will be presenting “What’s Next for Creationism?” In 2005, the Supreme Court made a landmark decision on the constitutionality of teaching creationism in public schools. Branch will discuss why Kitzmiller V. Dover was the effective end of the second phase of anti-evolution strategy and what the third phase will look like.

Author Dr. Richard Carrier will present “Ancient Roman Creationism: Scientific Pagans vs. Armchair Christians.” How scientific were early proponents of Intelligent Design, and how much has their rhetoric changed from then until today? Dr. Carrier will answer these questions and lay the groundwork to show how early science has led to the achievements of modern science.

WHY: Observed on or around Charles Darwin’s birthday, February 12, Darwin Day was founded in 1993 by Dr. Robert Stephens and provides an opportunity to honor the achievements of scientists around the world and celebrate Darwin’s groundbreaking theory of evolution. The American Humanist Association manages the Darwin Day website at darwinday.org.

MORE INFORMATION: After each evening of lectures, there will be social events. Check out the Darwin on the Palouse website, Facebook page and Twitter account for more details.

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The Humanists of the Palouse is a local chapter of the American Humanist Association. Comprised of atheist, freethinking and skeptic individuals, their mission is to advance the community through rational thought, education and local service projects. Through billboard campaigns and community programs the Humanists of the Palouse work to advance the idea that one can be good without gods. They meet the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month to engage in topic-driven discussion.

The Secular Student Alliances at Washington State University and at the University of Idaho are chapters of the national Secular Student Alliance, which empowers secular students to proudly express their identity, build welcoming communities, promote secular values and set a course for lifelong activism.