Candidates did want to teach creationism

Mrs. Dreyer’s recent letter to Fence Post accused us of “mischaracterizations, slander, … flat out lies” and “unethical tactics” in the Stevenson Board election because we wrote that we believe the Cardella/Brady/Powell slate wants to teach intelligent design, is intolerant of gay students and would ban books. Let’s consider the facts.

Intelligent design: they would “not require” the teaching of intelligent design, implying they would permit or encourage it. Their original website language calling for teaching “strengths and weaknesses” of evolution, which they’ve conveniently modified, was paraphrased, without citation, from the Science Education Policy of the Discovery Institute, the leading proponent of teaching intelligent design. Coincidences? This approach is controversial and has been labeled as “stealth creationism” and “creationist code language.” The New York Times calls it “nonsense.”

Gay students: Mrs. Cardella asked the board to remain neutral “and not host any future events [sic] that celebrates, encourages or affirms” homosexual behavior. Mr. Cardella recently told parents that for economic reasons he would prohibit the Gay Straight Alliance and, to be consistent, other clubs from having dances on campus. Is this neutrality or tolerance?

Books: In meetings with multiple administrators and teachers, Messrs. Cardella and Dreyer asked that Stevenson not include in the curriculum books that do not represent “traditional family values.” Mrs. Dreyer incorrectly claims that Mr. Lubin said no parent has asked to ban books. Ironically, on 12/16/10, the Daily Herald reported Mrs. Dreyer’s husband’s objections to an optional reading book he finds offensive when he “implored the school board to protect … the ‘traditional values’ of the community.” That’s straightforward.

Like Mrs. Dreyer, “[w]e trust that the residents of 125 will see through these tactics and make an informed decision on April 5 based on truth.” Please vote Moons, Lubin, Roberts and Weisberg.

Steve and Wendy Frost

Buffalo Grove