Victory for Science Over Censorship!

After a fierce battle on how science will be taught in Texas, the State Board of Education voted today to include wording that guarantees children will have the chance to learn and examine all sides of scientific theories.

It looked like we had lost yesterday when the board voted to strike out the requirement that students learn about the “strengths and weaknesses” of all scientific theories, including evolution. However, we believe today’s final vote, which includes the words “critique” and “examining all sides of scientific evidence,” came as a result from your persistent prayers, calls and emails. We believe this language is just as strong.

You made a difference in this important issue! Thank you for standing up for what is right. Thank you for standing up for Texas children.

Today’s SBOE vote is validation that the people of Texas and the State Board of Education reject censorship in the classroom and embrace open and critical discussion in the science classroom.

Current language: “In all fields of Science; analyze, evaluate and critique scientific explanations of science by using empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing including examining all sides of scientific evidence of those scientific explanations so as to encourage critical thinking by the student.”

The Current State of the Mojave Desert Veterans Memorial

Read our brief filed on June 8, 2009, on behalf of the veterans and caretakers of the Mojave Desert Veterans Memorial here.

Before the ruling against the cross:

The cross, as it is now:

Victory! Court Rules in Favor of Texas Moment of Silence!

VICTORY! The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals just affirmed that the Texas’ Moment of Silence in public schools is constitutional!

Thank you for your prayers!

CLICK HERE to view our news release!

Eye on ‘09: Embryonic and Adult Stem Cells

On Monday, President Obama signed executive orders to allow taxpayer-funded embryonic stem cell research. Also this week, the Texas Senate is scheduled to hear testimony regarding adult stem cell research expansion within the state. Embryonic stem cells require the cloning and killing of a human embryo for its stem cells. However, embryonic stem cells have shown no results in curing or treating diseases in humans.  Adult stem cells, however, do not require the destruction of human life and have treated or cured people with some forms of cancer, juvenile diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and heart disease.  Darlene Davis, whose son Joseph was cured of sickle-cell anemia by an adult stem cell transplant from his younger brother Isaac, says, “It was a miracle when the adult stem cells in cord blood saved my son’s life.”  The Davis family is an FMF partner and will testify with Jonathan Saenz this week.

Eye on ‘09: Conscience Clauses

Last week, President Obama announced his intentions to pull out the conscience clauses put into effect by President Bush. Conscience clauses are rules that protect medical professionals’ rights to refrain from performing procedures that violate their conscience. The government should not be able to force religious hospitals or medical professionals to perform abortions or prescribe birth control or the morning-after pill in violation of their faith or conscience. These conscience clauses protect pro-life doctors and nurses from being fired or otherwise discriminated against for standing up for life. If the conscience clauses are revoked, you can be sure that medical professionals all over the nation will be discouraged from their practice, and may even quit or go to prison for refusing to perform immoral procedures! Oklahoma Senator Tom Coburn is an OB/GYN, and said Monday that he would go to prison before performing an abortion. Dr. Linda Flower, chair of the executive committee of Texas Physicians’ Resource Council (TPRC), was almost fired from her position for refusing to prescribe birth control to an unmarried patient because of her beliefs. CLICK HERE for more information about TPRC.