Commentary: ALBUQUERQUE – Congresswoman Michelle Lujan Grisham released the following statement today about the strong opposition to Gov. Martinez’s weak science standards for New Mexico’s public schools:
“I hope Gov. Martinez and the Public Education Department are paying close attention to the strong, negative outcry against their proposed new science standards for New Mexico schools. Contrary to the mysterious and disingenuous process used by the PED to draft these standards, some very thoughtful educators, scientists, parents and students have come together to speak against efforts to dismiss the effects of climate change, mention the theory of evolution, and even acknowledge the age of the Earth.
“New Mexico, of all places, should be at the forefront of science education, preparing students to be the next generation of innovators and scientists working at our national research laboratories and solving complex problems like global warming, drought and cyber security. They should also be leading the way toward making New Mexico the clean energy state with a sustainable economy based on technologies developed and manufactured by our own workforce.
“New Mexico should be the scientific capitol of the world, not a community that ignores one of the greatest assets we have.”
The state Public Education Department held a public hearing on the draft science standards today in Santa Fe.