For Immediate Release
Contact:
Merrill Miller, 202-238-9088 ext. 105, merrillmiller@americanhumanist.org
(Washington, DC, Jan. 12, 2017)—The American Humanist Association hails the introduction of House Resolution 44 also known as the Darwin Day Resolution, in the US House of Representatives. Introduced by Rep. Jim Himes (CT-02), the Darwin Day Resolution would commemorate the birthday of famed biologist Charles Darwin, February 12, 2017, as a national celebration of evolution and science.
“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.”
“With widespread problems of fake news, climate change denial and anti-vaxxers plaguing American society, 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 Rep. Himes, who has introduced the resolution for the past three years, and his staff and other members of Congress to introduce this legislation. In previous years, Darwin Day resolutions have been introduced by former Rep. Rush Holt (NJ-12) and former Rep. Pete Stark (CA-13). Co-sponsors of the resolution include: Representatives Judy Chu (CA-32), Rose DeLauro (CT-03), Bill Foster (IL-11), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Zoe Lofgren (CA-19), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Adam Schiff (CA-28), Louise Slaughter (NY-25) and Jackie Speier (CA-14).
Darwin Day is a project of the American Humanist Association, founded by Dr. Robert Stephens in 1993. The American Humanist Association maintains the Darwin Day website, DarwinDay.org, a resource about Charles Darwin that showcases Darwin Day celebrations around the country. It also features state and local initiatives to introduce Darwin Day resolutions and proclamations.
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The International Darwin Day Foundation, founded by Dr. Robert Stephens in 1993, is a project of the American Humanist Association. Its mission is to promote the public education of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and to encourage the celebration of science and humanity.
Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the American Humanist Association (AHA) works to protect the rights of humanists, atheists, and other nontheistic Americans. The AHA advances the ethical and life-affirming philosophy of humanism, which—without beliefs in any gods or other supernatural forces—encourages individuals to live informed and meaningful lives that aspire to the greater good of humanity