Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Smithsonian Issues Statement Clarifying Discovery Institute Film Sponsorship
Panda's Thumb is reporting a statement issued by the Director, National Museum of Natural History:
"The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History recently approved a request by the Discovery Institute to hold a private, invitation-only screening and reception at the Museum on June 23 for the film “The Privileged Planet.” Upon further review we have determined that the content of the film is not consistent with the mission of the Smithsonian Institution’s scientific research. Neither the Smithsonian Institution nor the National Museum of Natural History supports or endorses the Discovery Institute or the film “The Privileged Planet.” However, since Smithsonian policy states that all events held at any museum be “co-sponsored” by the director and the outside organization, and we have signed an agreement with this organization, we will honor the commitment made to provide space for the event."
This statement, apparently, has not yet been issued officially by the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History. According to a post on Panda's Thumb, it was leaked by a staffer to Burt Humburg. If it becomes official, Red State Rabble believes the statement represents an enormous victory for supporters of science and science education. It disassociates the Smithsonian from the intelligent design film -- thereby denying Discovery Institute the scientific legitimacy they thought they'd purchased -- while not giving them a chance to say they've been censored. Thanks to all the RSR readers who sent protest letters. Your voices have been heard.
"The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History recently approved a request by the Discovery Institute to hold a private, invitation-only screening and reception at the Museum on June 23 for the film “The Privileged Planet.” Upon further review we have determined that the content of the film is not consistent with the mission of the Smithsonian Institution’s scientific research. Neither the Smithsonian Institution nor the National Museum of Natural History supports or endorses the Discovery Institute or the film “The Privileged Planet.” However, since Smithsonian policy states that all events held at any museum be “co-sponsored” by the director and the outside organization, and we have signed an agreement with this organization, we will honor the commitment made to provide space for the event."
This statement, apparently, has not yet been issued officially by the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History. According to a post on Panda's Thumb, it was leaked by a staffer to Burt Humburg. If it becomes official, Red State Rabble believes the statement represents an enormous victory for supporters of science and science education. It disassociates the Smithsonian from the intelligent design film -- thereby denying Discovery Institute the scientific legitimacy they thought they'd purchased -- while not giving them a chance to say they've been censored. Thanks to all the RSR readers who sent protest letters. Your voices have been heard.
