AAAS CEO Alan I. Leshner
Dear Colleagues:
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world's largest general scientific society, shares with science and technology centers and museums a deep commitment to improved public understanding of science and the role it plays in people's lives. We are writing now to express strong concerns about increasing threats to science that endanger our shared missions and to offer our support and partnership in dealing with them.
A March 19, 2005 New York Times article—"A New Test for Imax: The Bible vs. the Volcano," by Cornelia Dean—raised serious issues about the future of science and scientific freedom in America. The article, which detailed the growing trend of science museums declining to show Imax films that mention the process of evolution, explains that fear of protests has prompted some museum managers to scrub such offerings from play lists. The films include "Galapagos," about the islands where Darwin theorized about evolution; and "Volcanoes of the Deep Sea," a look at life in the super-heated world of deep-sea vents.
The desire not to antagonize audiences and to avoid negative business outcomes is entirely understandable. Yet, the suppression of scientifically accurate information as a response to those with differing perspectives is inappropriate and threatens both the integrity of science and the broader public education to which we all are committed. It is also objectionable to many stakeholders—including many with strong religious convictions—who understand that religion and science are not in opposition.
AAAS is eager to provide assistance to museum leaders facing evolution-related conflicts. Toward that end, we invite your feedback regarding the support strategies that would prove most useful to your institutions.
We applaud the efforts of science centers to remain true to the mission of providing quality science programming for all. Further, we encourage all centers to follow the example of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, which reversed an earlier decision and will show "Volcanoes of the Deep Sea" after all.
Sincerely,
Alan I. Leshner
The IMAX theatre in Fort Worth is apparently re-airing the movie.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world's largest general scientific society, shares with science and technology centers and museums a deep commitment to improved public understanding of science and the role it plays in people's lives. We are writing now to express strong concerns about increasing threats to science that endanger our shared missions and to offer our support and partnership in dealing with them.
A March 19, 2005 New York Times article—"A New Test for Imax: The Bible vs. the Volcano," by Cornelia Dean—raised serious issues about the future of science and scientific freedom in America. The article, which detailed the growing trend of science museums declining to show Imax films that mention the process of evolution, explains that fear of protests has prompted some museum managers to scrub such offerings from play lists. The films include "Galapagos," about the islands where Darwin theorized about evolution; and "Volcanoes of the Deep Sea," a look at life in the super-heated world of deep-sea vents.
The desire not to antagonize audiences and to avoid negative business outcomes is entirely understandable. Yet, the suppression of scientifically accurate information as a response to those with differing perspectives is inappropriate and threatens both the integrity of science and the broader public education to which we all are committed. It is also objectionable to many stakeholders—including many with strong religious convictions—who understand that religion and science are not in opposition.
AAAS is eager to provide assistance to museum leaders facing evolution-related conflicts. Toward that end, we invite your feedback regarding the support strategies that would prove most useful to your institutions.
We applaud the efforts of science centers to remain true to the mission of providing quality science programming for all. Further, we encourage all centers to follow the example of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, which reversed an earlier decision and will show "Volcanoes of the Deep Sea" after all.
Sincerely,
Alan I. Leshner
The IMAX theatre in Fort Worth is apparently re-airing the movie.
I don’t know what this topic is about, and I really can’t be bothered to read the quote.
(Past experience has taught me that it’s probably tedious in the extreme. 
)
So, just making an educated guess as to the subject:…
Toker, it is a genuine concern, especially when one remembers that cameras and camera film can steal a substantial part of one’s soul, (if not all of it).
The soul-destroying properties of the silver in the film emulsion is well documented, and it’s no coincidence that silver bullets are used against vampires, werewolves, Eskimo’s, and other supernatural stuff.
Whether today’s electronic recording media have the same effect, I wouldn’t know, but I strongly suspect that the taking of a person’s image must always have detrimental consequences, soul-wise.
So, all-in-all, films (especially heathen scientific ones), are something else to worry about.
I’m with you 100% on this one Toke baby. 
Ali
I'm with you 100% on this one Toke baby.
I feel releaved to know that you're on my side
I feel releaved to know that you're on my side
Ali
It just looks like this field of science needs a little sensitivity training and everything will be just fine.