The Kentucky Academy of Science is More Politics than Science
The Kentucky legislature recently passed legislation that was vetoed by the Governor. The legislature subsequently overrode the veto, which is now law. That legislation was Senate Bill 150.
Several high profile groups opposed passage of the bill, including the League of Women Voters of Northern Kentucky, the ACLU, and the Kentucky Academy of Science (KAS).
Why would these groups oppose a bill that prohibits children in grade five and below from receiving instruction on human sexuality or sexually transmitted diseases without a parent’s written consent?
Why would they oppose a bill that allows instructional material on human sexuality or sexually transmitted diseases to be inspected by parents?
Why would anyone oppose a bill that allows special accommodation for students who assert their gender is different from their biological sex but does not allow them to use restrooms, locker rooms, or shower rooms designated for the opposite biological sex while they are present?
Finally, why would a reasonable person oppose a bill that prohibits prescriptions of puberty blockers, sterilization surgery, or surgery that artificially constructs or removes genitalia for people under 18?
The bill passed overwhelmingly 75-22-1 and the veto override vote was 76-23-1.
How can groups such as KAS be so out of touch with the values of ordinary Kentucky citizens? The answer lies in a struggle for who will have control over children. Like gun control, certain groups believe that greater influence (power) can be achieved by demanding unfettered access to children, marginalizing parental rights, limiting healthcare choices, or prohibiting firearms. When parents no longer have control over what is taught and practiced at school, the personal freedom of families is at risk. Those who have power generally wield it for some benefit. When power is applied correctly, we call it justice. When it is abused, it is corruption.
The Kentucky Academy of Science is a political organization that claims to advocate for science. This includes policy they think is related to science or policy that benefits their relationships with elected officials who control the purse strings for state funding. What other types of policy does KAS advocate? Here are some samples:
- Support for mask mandates https://www.kyscience.org/science_policy.php
- Support for COVID-19 vaccination and social distancing
- Support of student loan forgiveness
- Prohibition of guns at colleges and universities
Of these policies, the first two have been invalidated due to their ineffectiveness while the second two have nothing to do with science. These policies also severely restrict personal freedom and choice, yet they continue to be advocated by KAS.
For SB 150, KAS issued a statement shortly after the bill’s initial passage claiming it would restrict parental rights and result in an increase in suicides by adolescents who identify as transgender. This claim that transgendered adolescents have higher suicide rates is false. According to Biggs (2022), the articles cited by KAS are based on inaccurate data and convey an alarmist urgency that is unwarranted. It seems KAS would like parents to have a choice, but only if it involves agreeing with their point of view. The statement also made no mention of the rights children have to privacy when using a locker room or shower.
Another statement issued by KAS before the legislative override claimed that SB 150 would subject students to harm and bigotry. Their stated position was, “As a scientific society, we hold that our state should respect health professionals as they make decisions for their patients based on the best medical science available.” If this is true, why does KAS continue to support mask and vaccine mandates when most health professionals have stopped supporting them? It appears that KAS is neither interested in the opinion of health professionals or the opinion of parents.
The irony is that the positions taken by KAS are not grounded in science. Chromosomes determine gender. A person’s feelings or opinion of their gender have no effect on their biological sex. Cosmetic surgery may change appearances, but it never changes the DNA of a person. Children do not have the maturity or requisite knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their gender and sexual identity.
Information on sexual identity that is shared with children must have parental consent. Young people should not feel uncomfortable using the restroom. SB 150 provides a vehicle for transgender accommodations, but young girls should not be required to share a bathroom with a biological male nor vice versa.
Children do not belong to KAS or any other group outside the family. Parents have a responsibility to raise children safely at least until the age of 18. Educated adults can then make informed decisions for themselves. Parents have a right to protect their children from influences they deem unhealthy for their kids. KAS has become corrupted with power politics. They should stick to true science or shut up.
Mark Doggett, PHD
About Mark
Education: Doctorate at Colorado State University Interdisciplinary Studies with B.S. and M.S. degrees in Industrial Technology from California State University Fresno.
Mark has twenty years of experience in higher education with thirteen years as a full-time educator. Twenty years of experience in business and industry including defense aerospace, food and beverage manufacturing, farm and irrigation products.
To contact Mark, email mark.doggett@wku.edu.