REBUTTAL

John T. Chiu’s letter (“Readers Respond: Debate continues over school

board snub,” Dec. 21) reveals a dearth of knowledge about the operation

of the Newport-Mesa school board and an unreasoned bias regarding the

teachings of the theory of evolution as the sole explanation for the

origin of man.

His assertion that “a board member merely reflects the views of a

small group of residents, but a board president represents the whole

district” is false. Each member, although required to live within a

designated geographical Trustee Area, is elected by and serves (i.e.

represents) the entire school district. Furthermore, the office of

president, as the Daily Pilot editorial (“Snub of Leece raises

questions,” Dec. 10) stated, is merely ceremonial in nature, and the

president of the board has no real authority as a spokesperson.

With regard to Chiu’s comments on evolution, the theory of evolution

has never been conclusively proven. That is why it is called the theory

of evolution. Has he not heard of the “missing link”? A theory is simply

a system of assumptions based on limited information and distinguished

from experiment or practice, in essence, a hypothesis. Evolution can’t be

proved by experiment, as can other laws of nature, such as the laws of

physics, mathematics or gravity.

Chiu asks: “What message are we sending to the rest of the world and

our children by having a spokesperson of the board casting doubt on

evolution?”

The message would simply be the truth, that there may be another

possible explanation for the origin of man. Teaching evolution

exclusively misrepresents theory as fact and perpetuates a falsehood.

Teaching evolution as fact and the only explanation for man’s existence

is false, it precludes the idea that there is purpose to life and

undermines the values that many children learn at home.

Unfortunately, that is precisely what public education has become all

about: changing children’s values and attitudes, as opposed to developing

the intellect and imparting facts and knowledge.

Chiu’s patent disregard for those values and the true purpose of

education is inexcusable, and like the school board majority’s actions in

refusing Leece her turn as president, is also appalling.

ILA JOHNSON

Costa Mesa

* EDITOR’S NOTE: Ila Johnson unsuccessfully ran for a seat on the

Newport-Mesa Unified School District Board of Education in November.