Scientists Boycott Kansas Evolution Hearings
Sunday, May 08, 2005

TOPEKA, Kan. — Scientists have refused to participate in state Board of Education hearings this past week on how the theory of evolution (search) should be treated in public schools, but they haven't exactly been silent.

About a dozen scientists, most from Kansas universities, spoke each day at news conferences after evolution critics testified before a board subcommittee. They expect to continue speaking out as the hearings wrap up on Thursday.

"They're in, they do their shtick, and they're out," said Keith Miller, a Kansas State University (search) geologist. "I'm going to be here, and I'm not going to be quiet. We'll have the rest of our lives to make our points."

The scientists' boycott was led by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (search) and Kansas Citizens for Science (search), which believe the hearings are rigged against the teaching of evolution.

Scientists said they don't see the need to cram their arguments into a few days of testimony, like out-of-state witnesses who were called by advocates of the "intelligent design" (search) theory.

But the boycott has frustrated board members who viewed their hearings as an educational forum.