Creationism Conference Planned At MSU Raises Concerns
PETERSBURG, KY – MAY 29: Elizabeth Burrows of LaGrange, Kentucky, walks with her son, Zach, one, and daughter, Gracie, two, as they tour the Creation Museum May 29, 2007 in Petersburg, Kentucky. (Photo by Mark Lyons/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING (AP) – A planned event on creationism at Michigan State University is raising concerns among faculty and graduate students.
The Saturday conference includes workshops such as “The Big Bang is Fake” and “Hitler’s Worldview,” on how evolution influenced the views of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler, MLive.com reported.
The Origin Summit is sponsored by the organization Creation Summit, which aims to promote creationism in places it feels have banned teaching it.
The conference will focus on scientific evidence that points to creationism instead of religious doctrine, according to Creation Summit executive director Mike Smith.
“We want to show the scientific evidence that shows intelligent design,” he said. “We’re not coming to the campus to promote Bible verses or sermons.”
Faculty members and students have contacted university officials to voice their displeasure with the summit.
But the public university feels it’s important to allow the event to happen because it encourages free speech and academic freedom, according to MSU spokesman Jason Cody.
“Not everyone is going to agree with everything everyone says,” he said.
The Origin Summit has the right to assemble in a public space and share its beliefs, Cody said, even if they contradict the ideas of MSU scientists and researchers.
“What I would say to (critics) is the same thing I would like to say to the U.S. Congress and Supreme Court and ask the question: How can you have a fair debate when one side isn’t allowed to speak?” Smith said.
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