Alliance For Science

Throughout 2008 and into 2009 you will hear quite a bit about the topic of "Evolution and Racial Equality." The coincidence of Darwin's and Lincoln's 200th birthdays on Feb. 12, 2009 gives us in the Alliance for Science and other organizations an opportunity to focus on this important topic.

With this in mind, we are all invited to the Washington Theological Consortium symposium on "Evolution and Racial Equality" on SAT Nov. 10, from 9:30am - 2:00pm. Preregistration is required since a free lunch is provided. The attached flyer includes the registration form, which can be completed and emailed to: WTC@washtheocon.org.

This symposium will address:

How evolutionary theory addresses the questions of race and racialism.
Why this is a key question.
How Darwinian evolution has been used to discredit evolution.
What impact that this has on the pro-evolution movement.

The symposium will also discuss the plans for the celebration of the 200th birthdays of Darwin and Lincoln on February 12, 2009 and why the theme "Evolution and Racial Equality" should be the central focus of this celebration.

The two major talks (each described below) will be by Dr. Erik Scully and Dr. Irv Wainer. (Dr. Daryl Domning, Howard Unversity, will speak briefly.)

Dr. Scully’s Talk - Title: The Evolutionary Biology of Human Racial Variation

Abstract: Geographical variation within and among species was a fact that inspired both Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace to develop the concept of Natural Selection as a primary mechanism to explain this inevitable diversification. Our species is a good example of this process. Unfortunately, there has been a history of focusing on differences rather than similarities and patterns of variation within our species. This presentation will discuss a few episodes in the history of this topic and summarize our current understanding regarding the origin and evolution of human diversity.

Speaker: Erik Scully is a Professor of Biology at Towson University. He teaches courses in Evolution, Marine Ecology, and Population Biology. For many years, he has been active in the controversy over teaching Evolution vs. Creationism/ Intelligent Design in the public schools, and has twice submitted testimony to the Maryland Legislature on this issue.

Dr. Wainer’s Talk -- Title: Science, Evolution and the Question of Human Equality

Abstract: The recent statements by James Watson, the co-discoverer of DNA, concerning the intellectual capacities of the peoples of Africa demonstrate that racialist and racist theories still exist within the scientific community. As with his predecessors, such as William Shockley, Watson’s views will be used by the movement to discredit Darwin and the theory of evolution. This presentation will review the development of the anti-evolution movement in the US and discuss the relationship between this movement and the Watson-Shockley sector of science. The presentation will also address how the February 12, 2009 joint celebration of the 200th birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin presents an opportunity for the proponents of evolution and human equality to present their case in a positive and productive environment.

Speaker: Irving W. Wainer is Chair of the Alliance for Science, a non-profit 501(c)3 educational organization composed of scientists and non-scientists. The Mission of the Alliance for Science is to heighten public understanding and support for science and to preserve the distinctions between science and religion in the public sphere. Dr. Wainer is Senior Scientist at the National Institute on Aging/ National Institutes of Health where his work centers on the development of new therapies for the treatment of cancer and heart disease. He has published over 325 peer-reviewed papers, 9 books and sponsored two recent symposia (2005, 2006) at the national meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science on the topic of organizing to promote the teaching of evolution and good science in our public schools.

We hope that you can attend this event. Please register quickly to reserve your place.