For Immediate Release
Contact: Amy Couch, 202-238-9088, acouch@americanhumanist.org
(Washington, DC, Jan. 18, 2018)—The American Humanist Association hails the introduction of House Resolution 699 and Senate Resolution 374, also known as the Darwin Day Resolutions, by Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). The Darwin Day Resolutions commemorate the birthday of famed biologist Charles Darwin, February 12, 2018, as a national celebration of evolution and science, and signify that Members of Congress are opposed to attempts to teach creationism in our public schools.
“In our modern political climate, when the very facts and truths revealed by science are under attack, honoring the efforts of scientists, the true heroes of human history, is vitally important,” said Rep. Himes. “By celebrating and commemorating the anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, we not only acknowledge his enormous contributions to our better understanding of the origins of life, but send a message that we value education, knowledge and science as our guiding principles.”
“I am proud to champion and celebrate Charles Darwin’s achievements and those of every scientist and explorer who followed in his footsteps,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Darwin Day recognizes the invaluable contributions of Darwin, without whom our understanding of this world would be fundamentally altered. Today, we reflect and remember that the advancements of science and human knowledge are profoundly important to the progress of humankind.”
“With the current administration passing bills that undermine science and education, dropping climate change from the list of national security threats, and removing environmental protections from national parks and monuments, now is the time to look to the rationality of Charles Darwin and other scientists who carry on his legacy of curiosity and critical thinking in the pursuit of truth,” said Roy Speckhardt, executive director of the American Humanist Association. “We urge Congress to support the Darwin Day Resolution to uphold science, reason and innovation, values that we need now more than ever.”
The American Humanist Association worked closely with Representative Himes and Senator Blumenthal, their staff, and other members of Congress to introduce this legislation. The House bill is currently co-sponsored by Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA), Bill Foster (D-IL), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Jim McGovern (D-MD), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Jamie Raskin (MD-D), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Adam Schiff (Cal-28), and Adam Smith (D-WA); the Senate bill is co-sponsored by Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).
Darwin Day is a project of the American Humanist Association, founded by Dr. Robert Stephens in 1993. Among other resources, the American Humanist Association maintains the Darwin Day website, DarwinDay.org that showcases Darwin Day celebrations around the country, provides details about Charles Darwin, and features state and local initiatives to introduce Darwin Day resolutions and proclamations.