Evening star., 1929-01-02
SCIENTISTS UPHOLD
EVOLUTION THEORY
Action Taken to Combat
Laws to Prevent instruction
in DarWinian Thesis.
BY the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press
NEW YORK, January 2.-Action to
combat the spread of anti-evolution
legislation and other efforts to restrict
the freedom of teaching was taken
yesterday by scientists and university
professors in session here.
The American Association of Univer-
sity Professors authorized a special
committee to cooperate with the Amer
ican Association for the Advancement
of Science to prepare circular to con-
was placed definitely on record as de-
ploring anti-evolution laws and regu-
lationS.
I'VE are convinced" said the SCI
entists' resolution, that any legislation
attempting to limit the teaching of any
widely accepted scientific doctrine is
profound mistake, which cannot fail to
retard the advancement of knowledge
and of human welfare.
1T is only by the maintenance OF
freedom of teaching that we can create
conditions under which truth comes
most rapidly to prevail. Therefore we
wish to make our most earnest protest
against all legislation and adminiStra-
tive interference with the presentation
Of the facts and theories of science"
Asserting that what is taught as
science should be determined by quail
fled expert in their fields rtaher than
by popular vote" the resolution cited
the action of three States which have
enacted anti-evolution laws and similar
restrictions in various institutions OF
learning and declared. I'VE deplore all
such efforts to restrict the freedom of
teaching and learning in science.
Evolution Thesis Defended.
1--WE deplore such action. first, be-
cause evolution in some form is ac-
cepted by practically all competent men
of science the world over. and, second,
because the idea of evolution has SO
profoundly influenced the thinking of
mankind in biology, psychology, ethics,
social science and philosophy that no
one can pretend to have liberal edu-
cation who is ignorant of its grounds
and import.
I'VE deplore these measures also for
the deeper reason, which should appeal
to all Americans of whatever creed
who believe in intellectual and religious
liberty, whether they accept or reject
the theory of evolution, namely, that
such restrictions constitute violation
of fundamental principle Of freedom
essential to all progress"
Although 1.-The general conditions OF
academic freedom and tenure" have inn
proved throughout the country in recent
years. the American Association OF Uni
verSity Professors was told yesterday
that much remains to be done.
Some of our academic institutions
are still under the sway of politicians
who know nothing of the standards and
ethics of our profession, and with such
people we must continue our struggle
for their recognition" said a report
presented by Prof. H. r. Fairclough OF
Amherst, chairman of the associations
committee dealing with that problem.
Gives Scope of instruction.
1--WE seldom have legal power of re-
dress. but we do have powerful
weapon in the publicity we can give to
institutions.
LAS regards institutions of denomi-
national or partisan character. we rec
ognize that they are zen different
basis from the non-demoninationa
college or university, but we adhere to
the principle that specific Stipulations
in advance, fully understood and ac-
cepted by both parties, should limit the
scope and character of instruction"
Action on testimony before the Fed
eral Trade Commission that schools
and colleges have been utilized as
channels by power corpo-
rations was held up by the university
professors pending the hearing of evi-
dence in rebuttal and conclusion Of the
Government investigation.
The associations council emphasized,
however, that the committee on ethics
is actually following the testimony OF
the Trade Commission, as well as con-
Quoting investigations of its own, and
that when the time comes the commit
tee will report to the association
its findings of fact and recommenda-
tions for such action by the association
as the facts thus disclosed may call
for"