Science And Technology

Section Highlights:

Christie said the decision to teach creationism, in addition to evolution, should be made at a local level.

Evolution

May 2011: Christie Refused To Say Whether He Believed In Evolution Or Creationism: ‘That’s None Of Your Business.’ According to the Star-Ledger, ‘Whether Gov. Chris Christie has a scientific or religious understanding of Earth’s beginnings remains a mystery. ‘That’s none of your business,’ Christie snapped at a news conference yesterday in Jersey City after being asked if he believes in evolution or creationism.’ [Star-Ledger, 5/13/11]

May 2011: Christie Said The Decision To Teach Creationism Should Be Made At The Local Level. According to the Star-Ledger, ‘The refusal to explain his position comes one week after a town hall meeting in Manalapan, where Christie was asked what he thought of creationism being taught in schools alongside evolution. Christie said the decision to teach creationism should be made at the local level, and reiterated that position yesterday. ‘Evolution is required teaching,’ Christie said. ‘If there’s a certain school district that also wants to teach creationism, that’s not something we should decide in Trenton.’’ [Star-Ledger, 5/13/11]

Star-Ledger Editorial: Christie’s Position On Creationism ‘Is Our Business.’ According to a staff editorial in the Star-Ledger, ‘Gov. Chris Christie says his views on creationism are ‘none of your business.’ Yes, actually -- it is our business, governor. You made it our business when you said you have no objection to public schools teaching creationism alongside evolution […] Christie’s dismissal was telling for a governor who had only a year ago pledged to answer ‘directly, straightly, bluntly,’ so ‘nobody in New Jersey is going to have to wonder where I am on an issue.’ ‘I think they’ve had enough of politicians who make them wonder,’ Christie had said of voters. ‘They make them wonder so they get an escape hatch.’’ [Editorial – Star-Ledger, 5/15/11]