Schools

State Board of Education: Where they stand on evolution

By Times Wires
Published February 14, 2008

T. Willard Fair, chairman

Home: Miami

Appointed by: Gov. Bush, re-appointed by Gov. Crist

Position: unknown

Donna Callaway

Home: Tallahassee

Appointed by: Bush

Position: against*

Quote: Evolution "has the possibility of confirming or denying for a child who he/she really is. This strikes to the meaning, the value, and the core of life itself. I firmly believe that a child can deal with the proof of science along with a personal belief in God as the creator of the universe at the same time. The classroom should allow him, openly, that opportunity. Teachers should be allowed the leeway to acknowledge that there are other theories."

Linda Taylor

Home: Fort Myers

Appointed by: Bush

Position: unclear, but appears to be leaning against

Quote: "I would support teaching evolution, but with all its warts. I think that some of the facts have been questioned by evolutionists themselves. I would want them taught as theories. That's important. They could be challenged by others and the kids could then be taught critical thinking and they can make their own choices."

Phoebe Raulerson

Home: Okeechobee

Appointed by: Bush

Position: undecided

Kathleen Shanahan

Home: Tampa

Appointed by: Bush

Position: unknown

Roberto Martinez

Home: Miami

Appointed by: Bush

Position: in favor

Quote: "I'm a very strong supporter of including evolution. And I think it's long overdue. It is clearly supported, not just as a theory, but as a fundamental principle of biology. All one has to do is look at all the findings and research in the field of molecular biology, DNA and genetics to understand that evolution should be a part of our science curriculum."

Akshay Desai

Home: St. Petersburg

Appointed by: Crist

Position: in favor

Quote:"I do support evolution. There's not a question about that at all."

* Based on her response to the first draft of the proposed standards

[Last modified February 14, 2008, 00:01:46]