We the undersigned wish to express our dissatisfaction with HB 1531 and HB 1228. As scientists, science educators, and individuals who work within various scientific disciplines, we recognize that Intelligent Design is a discredited notion that has failed to earn the respect of the scientific community and therefore has no place in public schools. To single out this failed theory is nothing less than social promotion, as there are no valid scientific alternatives to evolution. Rather, Intelligent Design is a wholly political controversy manufactured to undermine science, owing to the fact that Intelligent Design is simply creationism repackaged.

We are concerned that passage of HB 1531 and/or HB 1228 will be construed as support for Intelligent Design, which could have disasterous consequences for education in our state. Firstly, the Fordham Foundation has already rated our state science standards rather highly, and passage of these bills will undoubtedly negatively impact these standards. Secondly, the nation's impression of the quality of science training in Maryland will be significantly undermined, putting our students at a competitive disadvantage when applying to college or employment in the lucrative pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Thirdly, school districts who pursue Intelligent Design will be open to convoluted, expensive lawsuits such as that which cost Dover, Pennsylvania approximately one million dollars and created needless divisions within the community.

Science is done by testing and reformulating ideas. Intelligent Design has not been tested and indeed, cannot be tested, thus placing it firmly outside the realm of science. The great state of Maryland does not need to rewrite its laws for this manufactured controversy. We urge the House of Delegates to reject these bills in the name of Academic Freedom.