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June 1, 2005
A Real Partial Victory
While the Smithsonian will show the Discovery Institutes film "Privileged Planet" they have issued the following statement.
Statement by the Director, National Museum of Natural HistoryThe Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History recently approved a request by the Discovery Institute to hold a private, invitation-only screening and reception at the Museum on June 23 for the film "The Privileged Planet." Upon further review we have determined that the content of the film is not consistent with the mission of the Smithsonian Institution’s scientific research. Neither the Smithsonian Institution nor the National Museum of Natural History supports or endorses the Discovery Institute or the film "The Privileged Planet." However, since Smithsonian policy states that all events held at any museum be "co-sponsored" by the director and the outside organization, and we have signed an agreement with this organization, we will honor the commitment made to provide space for the event. [emphasis added]
The statement is published on Panda's Thumb and on Pharyngula . It cannot be published too often. Two things remain to be done. First, the National Museum of Natural History needs to make this statement in a very public way. For example, the New York Times that gave the free publicity to this event should publish the statement. Second, The Smithsonian must put some screening procedure in place to prevent such a fiasco from happening again.
Posted by Duane Smith at June 1, 2005 10:41 AM | Read more on Evolution |
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