Thoughts On Florida's "Anti-Science" Law | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Thoughts On Florida's "Anti-Science" Law

Facts are facts.

20
Thoughts On Florida's "Anti-Science" Law

Even though I am not a resident of Florida, I am very upset at them right now.

In case word hasn't reached you yet, House Bill 989, better known as the "anti-science bill" has just recently been passed into law. The basic details of the law are as follows: any Florida citizen is now allowed to object to any scientific instruction taught in the state's public education system, regardless if they are a student or have a child as a student. Once a complaint is filed, the school will appoint an officer to oversee the case and make a ruling.

This makes me question the state legislature's reasoning for a number of reasons, the first and foremost being what specifically this was aimed at. It would make complete sense for this to be "discreetly" aimed at topics such as evolution and global warming, as those are admittedly sensitive subjects. But this also makes me wonder about how far-reaching these consequences can be.

Pardon my exaggeration, but allow me to get my point across. The belief that the earth is flat has been gaining some popularity in recent times, so what happens when a parent who believes this realizes their child is being taught that the earth is round and decides to object? It's unlikely at this point that the fact would be removed from the curriculum entirely, but given enough voice... it could happen.

But that's the thing about science. It doesn't matter if you believe it or not, facts are facts. We know that water is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. We know gravity is what keeps us tethered to the ground. We know that there are three basic states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas.

And to venture into more relevant territory, NASA has provided significant evidence of global warming. And evolution is the theory that species evolve and adapt over time for a higher chance of survival, which highly likely to be true (perhaps not the the extent of primates becoming human, but that's a subject for another day).

So what is it that Florida is trying to prove? That everyone is right when it comes to things they choose not to believe? Call me paranoid, but this could be a step in the wrong direction down a path we don't want to go. You may have your opinions, but I'll be sticking to the facts.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

12550
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

2102
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 14 Stages Of The Last Week Of Class

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1309
black marker on notebook

December... it's full of finals, due dates, Mariah Carey, and the holidays. It's the worst time of the year, but the best because after finals, you get to not think about classes for a month and catch up on all the sleep you lost throughout the semester. But what's worse than finals week is the last week of classes, when all the due dates you've put off can no longer be put off anymore.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments