Dear NABT Members of Oklahoma,

The Senate Education Committee is currently reviewing the Scientific Education and Academic Freedom Act (HB 1551), a bill we feel clearly allows non-scientific explanations for topics such as biological evolution, the origins of life, global warming, and human cloning to be introduced into the science classroom. This legislation specifically states that these topics can “cause controversy”. The bill goes on to state that teachers shall be “permitted to help students understand, analyze, critique, and review in an objective manner the scientific strengths and scientific weaknesses of existing scientific theories in the course being taught.”

NABT is confident that the science teachers in Oklahoma are already helping their “students understand, analyze, critique, and review” the scientific concepts that are introduced in their classrooms. Concepts like biological evolution are supported by rigorous experimentation, logical analysis, and evidence-based revision based on detectable and measurable data. Supposed “weaknesses” to the theory of evolution are not supported by the same criteria. Therefore, the language of HB 1551 suggests an intention to introduce decidedly non-scientific discussions into the science classroom.

Your students have a right to an education that takes place is a standards-based instructional framework that upholds scientific integrity. You are also the biology and life science education experts in Oklahoma, and NABT recognizes that you are the best advocates for your students, your colleagues and your profession.

You can contact the members your state’s Senate Education Committee today using the emails below:

John Ford Chair fordj@oksenate.gov
Gary Stanislawski Vice Chair stanislawski@oksenate.gov
Cliff Branan Member branan@oksenate.gov
Josh Brecheen Member brecheen@oksenate.gov
Greg Childers Member childers@oksenate.gov 
Kim David Member david@oksenate.gov 
Judy Eason McIntyre Member easonmcintyre@oksenate.gov 
Earl Garrison Member whitep@oksenate.gov 
Jim Halligan Member halligan@oksenate.gov 
David Holt Member holt@oksenate.gov 
Clark Jolley Member jolley@oksenate.gov 
Charlie Laster Member laster@oksenate.gov
Richard Lerblance Member lerblance@oksenate.gov
Mike Mazzei Member mazzei@oksenate.gov 
Jonathan Nichols Member nichols@oksenate.gov 
Susan Paddack Member paddack@oksenate.gov 
John Sparks Member sparks@oksenate.gov 

Thank you for your efforts to provide the best possible biology and life science education for all students.

Jaclyn Reeves-Pepin
Executive Director- NABT
(888) 501- NABT x 102
jreevespepin@nabt.org