For Immediate Release

Contact:

Matthew Bulger, Legislative Director, 202-238-9088, mbulger@americanhumanist.org

Patrick Hudson, Communications Assistant, 202-238-9088, phudson@americanhumanist.org

(Washington, DC, Feb. 10, 2017)—The American Humanist Association, with science advocates around the world, prepares to celebrate International Darwin Day on February 12, 2017. Observed annually on the birthday of famous naturalist Charles Darwin, Darwin Day recognizes the accomplishments of scientists and the importance of science education.

“Charles Darwin’s discoveries continue to influence our understanding of genetics, medicine, biology and countless other scientific fields,” said Roy Speckhardt, executive director of the American Humanist Association. “Thanks to Darwin and the theory of evolution, we are better able to combat disease, develop more effective vaccines, and improve the overall quality of human life on this planet.”

As part of its efforts to observe Darwin Day, the American Humanist Association is encouraging members of Congress to support House Resolution 44, also known as the Darwin Day Resolution, which would designate February 12 as Darwin Day and demonstrate legislators’ support for science, reason and critical thinking. The resolution was introduced this year by Rep. Jim Himes (CT-04) on January 11, 2017, and has gained numerous co-sponsors. It expresses specific support for the science behind climate change and opposes the teaching of creationism in public schools.

“The scientific consensus on the reality of climate change, the efficacy of vaccines, and the theory of evolution are clear, and members of Congress should demonstrate that they value the work of scientists by supporting the Darwin Day Resolution,” continued Speckhardt.

Darwin Day was founded in 1993 by Dr. Robert Stephens to honor the accomplishments of Charles Darwin, whose theory of evolution continues to inform groundbreaking discoveries in biology, genetics and medicine, among other fields of research. A project of the American Humanist Association, Darwin Day also observes the contributions of scientists across the globe whose findings have advanced human progress and the betterment of our lives on this earth.

The American Humanist Association maintains the official Darwin Day website, which contains further information about local Darwin Day events, Charles Darwin’s life and scientific achievements and efforts at the state and local levels to have Darwin Day officially recognized.

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The International Darwin Day Foundation, founded by Dr. Robert Stephens in 1993, is a project of the American Humanist Association. Its mission is to promote the public education of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution and to encourage the celebration of science and humanity.

Founded in 1941 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the American Humanist Association (AHA) works to protect the rights of humanists, atheists, and other nontheistic Americans. The AHA advances the ethical and life-affirming philosophy of humanism, which—without beliefs in any gods or other supernatural forces—encourages individuals to live informed and meaningful lives that aspire to the greater good of humanity.