Texas Citizens for Science

Texas Citizens for Science
Company typenon-profit, educational science advocacy
IndustryEducation
Founded2003
HeadquartersMidland, Texas
Key people
Steven Schafersman, President
Websitewww.txscience.org (Defunct)

Texas Citizens for Science (TCS) is a Texas-based advocacy group that works to protect the accuracy and reliability of science education in Texas. Its main activity is to oppose organized creationism in Texas, especially at the Texas State Board of Education, Texas Education Agency, Texas Legislature, and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.[1][2][3]

TCS was formed in January 2003 as the successor to the Texas Council for Science Education that was active during 1980–1994.[4]

Steven Schafersman, the president of the organization, is a geologist and former university professor.[5][6]

In 2003, TCS was involved in opposing the introduction of creationism in hearings conducted by the Texas State Board of Education on biology textbooks.[7][8][9][10] Schafersman testified before the board.[11][12]

In 2007–2008, TCS provided information to the public about the forced resignation of Christine Comer from the Texas Education Agency and the attempt of the Institute for Creation Research to win Texas certification to offer master's degrees in science education.[3]

References

  1. ^ Haurwitz, Ralph K. M. (January 11, 2008). "Science education advocate to speak". The Lowdown on Higher Ed. Austin American-Statesman. Archived from the original on February 10, 2008. Retrieved January 23, 2008.
  2. ^ Haurwitz, Ralph K. M. (January 15, 2008). "Action on creation institute proposal delayed". The Lowdown on Higher Ed. Austin American-Statesman. Archived from the original on January 19, 2008. Retrieved January 23, 2008.
  3. ^ a b Haurwitz, Ralph K. M. (January 10, 2008). "Creation institute's degree plan questioned: State regulators ask scientists to weigh in". Austin American-Statesman. Archived from the original on 2008-01-15. Retrieved 2008-01-23.
  4. ^ "Texas Citizens for Science". Archived from the original on 2008-01-20. Retrieved 2008-01-22.
  5. ^ Internet Infidels biography for Steven Schafersman
  6. ^ "Testimony of Steven Schafersman, TCS President". Archived from the original on 2008-07-04. Retrieved 2008-01-22.
  7. ^ Transcript of a public hearing before the Texas State Board of Education, 14 July 2004
  8. ^ Frazier, Matt (Jul 9, 2003). "Evolution at Issue as Texas Considers Adopting New Biology Texts". Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Retrieved 2008-12-26.
  9. ^ "The Daily News". Galveston County Daily News. Jul 20, 2003. Archived from the original on 2005-02-16. Retrieved 2008-12-26.
  10. ^ "Evolution battle in Texas textbooks". Skeptical Inquirer. 2003. Retrieved 2008-12-26. [dead link‍]
  11. ^ Evolution debate continues in Texas, Megan Sever, Geotimes, American Geological Institute, September 12, 2003
  12. ^ Written Testimony to the State Board of Education of Texas Archived 2007-09-28 at the Wayback Machine, Steven D. Schafersman Texas Citizens for Science August 18, 2003