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Associated Press actually corrects error re ID controversy

A friend writes to say that Associated Press actually corrected one of its errors in covering the intelligent design controversy (February 27, 2009):

Associated Press Corrects Misreporting on Iowa Evolution Academic Freedom Bill

The Associated Press has corrected an inaccurate article about the Iowa Academic Freedom bill which had stated that "The bill asserts that teaching religious theories of evolution falls under academic freedom. It would let teachers at all education levels teach religious theories as science and forbid them from discounting non-science based answers from students." The bill, of course, says precisely the opposite, as it expressly states: “This section shall not be construed to promote any religious doctrine, promote discrimination for or against a particular set of religious beliefs, or promote discrimination for or against religion or nonreligion.” Thankfully, after being shown the actual text of the bill, the AP realized that it was erroneous to claim that the bill allows the teaching of “religious theories” and it has now printed a correction stating:

In a Feb. 26 story about a legislative bill that protects criticism of evolution, The Associated Press reported erroneously that the measure would let educators teach religious theories as science. The bill would prohibit promotion of religious doctrine, and the question of whether religious-based arguments would be allowed in classrooms is a matter of debate among supporters and opponents.

He comments,

This just shows that when the media uncritically repeats the talking points of Darwinist critics of academic freedom, that the truth is not heard. The AP should be commended for fixing their error.

Most won't, of course, because they have nothing to gain from a full, fair and free discussion of the relevant issues. For one thing, many media people would need to learn things they do not really want to know.

Find out why there is an intelligent design controversy:

Uncommon Descent Contest Question 2: Why does Earth's unique situation for science discovery threaten many?

This is Contest Question 2 for the Uncommon Descent Earn free stuff contest:

"Iowa Professors Mobilize Against Measure on Teaching Alternatives to Evolution" by Peter Schmidt (February 26, 2009):

More than 200 faculty members at 20 Iowa colleges have signed a statement opposing a proposed state law that would give instructors at public colleges and schools a legal right to teach alternatives to evolution.

Well, these were the folks who drove out gifted astronomer Guillermo Gonzalez. You must pay for the article, and I do not recommend that. We've all pretty much heard it all already.

Instead, for a free copy of Gonzalez's Privileged Planet DVD, go to Uncommon Descent and answer this question: Why does Guillermo Gonzalez's view that Earth is uniquely situated for science discovery threaten so many people?

Here are the Contest rules (pretty easy, really).

You must go to Uncommon Descent, and register to comment. You will not receive any solicitations that come through UD.

Find out why there is an intelligent design controversy: