Darwin Day Celebrations Continue to Grow Worldwide

For Immediate Release

Contact: Brian Magee, 202-238-9088
bmagee@americanhumanist.org

(Washington, DC – February 10, 2012) U S Representative Pete Stark (CA) and American Humanist Association Executive Director Roy Speckhardt have co-authored an article posted this week on The Huffington Post called Honoring Darwin Day, outlining reasons why the world should recognize Charles Darwin’s achievements on the anniversary of his birth, February 12. The article can be viewed here.

“There have been few moments in human history where our understanding of the world have increased so dramatically as when Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution,” said Roy Speckhardt, the executive director of the American Humanist Association. “I am proud to partner with Rep. Pete Stark, a member of Congress who understands the importance of Darwin and science education in our public schools.”

The International Darwin Day Foundation at www.darwinday.org is a project of the American Humanist Association and is the central organization promoting February 12 as Darwin Day by offering resources, an event calendar and social networking opportunities to local organizers. The International Darwin Day Foundation first began as the Darwin Day Celebration Program by Amanda Chesworth and Dr. Robert Stephens in 1993.

Darwin Day celebrations typically include speakers on the important contributions Charles Darwin has made to the understanding of biology through evolution. Movies, potluck meals, discussion groups and musical entertainment are also frequent elements of these celebrations. Many museums and college science departments also hold Darwin Day events on or around February 12.

The understanding of biological processes took a huge leap forward when Darwin published On The Origin of Species in 1859, providing the basis for natural selection and how the world understands evolution. Today, efforts to curtail scientific inquiry are being pushed through anti-evolution bills in states such as Indiana, New Hampshire and Missouri, and attempts to include the teaching of creationism and so-called ‘intelligent design’ in public school science classrooms. “By celebrating Darwin’s scientific contributions, we tell the world that anti-science efforts will not go unopposed,” Speckhardt said. 

 For more information on Darwin Day and for a listing of Darwin Day events around the world, visit www.DarwinDay.org.

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The International Darwin Day Foundation’s (www.DarwinDay.org) mission is to promote the public education about science and to encourage the celebration of science and humanity.

The American Humanist Association (www.americanhumanist.org) advocates for the rights and viewpoints of humanists. Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., its work is extended through more than 100 local chapters and affiliates across America.

Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism, affirms our responsibility to lead ethical lives of value to self and humanity.