HR1015

Via ERV, we have the antics of another Oklahoma lawmaker who appears not to know what country he is living in, nor why we enshrined free speech into our state and federal founding documents.  Hint: It was not to protect popularly supported and unoffensive speech.

Rep. Thomsen claims that he wants OU to "engage in an open, dignified, and fair discussion of the Darwinian theory of evolution" but endeavors to suppress controversial speech like that of Richard Dawkins, because it is "contrary and offensive to the views and opinions of most citizens of Oklahoma" and therefore not fit for debate. 

Open and fair discussion of the theory of evolution must address the entire range of thinking on the subject, from creationists like Phillip E. Johnson, Casey Luskin, and William Dembski, to moderate scientists like John M. Lynch and Michael Ruse, and yes, even hard-line naturalists like Richard Dawkins. Every one of these people have spoken on the topic of evolution at OU, except the last. Why single out his particular views for special treatment if one truly believes in a free and open debate of all sides?

The conclusion is obvious and ineluctable: HR1015 is naught but thinly veiled theological protectionism masquerading as academic freedom.