The following is reprinted from OASIS, a newsletter edited by Scott Goodman which guards against the teaching of creationism in public school science classrooms. Although it was written for a Canadian audience, its message is equally important and useful for Americans.

by Scott Goodman

The latest edition of NCSE Reports [National Center for Science Education] (Vol. 14, No. 3) includes a short article by Molleen Matsumura on page six that will be of interest to many of OASIS' readers. In fact, it establishes the basis of a legal challenge to any local attempts by creationists to get passed an "equal time" for creationism policy in a school district. The ICR has always presented itself as a scientific and educational research organization.

However, it appears that when filing with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, it lists itself under IRS codes 123 and 124. These codes refer to "Discussion groups, forums, lectures, etc.", and "Study and research (non-scientific)." That's right, NON-SCIENTIFIC!

Furthermore, they claim a tax exemption as a religious organization! Everyone should be very clear about what is being said here. The Institute for Creation Research is LEGALLY a non-scientific religious research organization.

Wherever creationism is a problem, write to the Minister of Education and get this information across. Also, obtain the list of support materials proposed for any such policy. Most provinces have a challenge procedure that allows citizens to question materials used in schools. The ICR is the only source of any note for such materials. This will tie the policy in question directly to sectarian fundamentalist religious dogma, which is outlawed in virtually every public school system in the country. Go get 'em!