AAAS Issues Policy Alert on Sarah Palin

From the latest Policy Alert of the American Association for the Advancement of Science:

Republican VP Pick Supports Teaching “Both Sides.” Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, Sen. John McCain’s choice for his running-mate, has expressed views on a number of issues of interest to scientists. In a televised debate during the Alaska governor’s race in October 2006, Palin, in response to a question about teaching creationism in public schools, replied, “Teach both. You know, don’t be afraid of information. Healthy debate is so important, and it’s so valuable in our schools. I am a proponent of teaching both.” As governor, Palin has opposed the federal government’s decision to list the polar bear as a threatened species because of climate change and shrinking sea ice with an op-ed in The New York Times and a suit in federal court. She believes that human activities are not responsible for global climate change, favors drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and opposes federal funding for human embryonic stem cell research – all positions that conflict not only with the Democratic platform but also with positions McCain has taken in the past.