Critics of evolution seek $5,000 reimbursement

Topeka ? Critics of evolution who came to Kansas to testify on school science standards are seeking reimbursement of $5,000 for their expenses, state records show.

The witnesses have requested $4,987.73 for travel, lodging and in some instances meals and parking.

The science standards hearings were convened by three State Board of Education members for four days last month.

The hearings drew national attention as critics of evolution testified for standards that question the theory.

Mainstream scientists boycotted the hearings, saying it was simply a forum to give publicity to proponents of intelligent design, which says that science cannot explain certain complexities of life and that the world is evidence of a master planner.

The three State Board of Education members will recommend science standards this week to the full state board. Since conservatives hold a 6-4 majority on the board, it is expected that the criticisms of evolution will be included in the standards, which are the basis for instruction that Kansas students will be tested on.

The witnesses who testified were summoned by John Calvert, who is director of an organization that promotes intelligent design.

A rundown of the expenses, and brief explanation provided by the State Department of Education

The total reimbursement amount requested by Mr. Calvert for witness expenses was $4,987.73. It is itemized as follows:

Angus Menuge, Ph.D.Sheboygan, Wisc.
Air: $192.39
Hotel: $113.46
Total: $305.85
(Hotel reflects two nights as Dr. Menuge was asked to arrive early to hear other witnesses.)

Bruce Simat, Ph.D.St. Paul, Minn.
Air: $432.89
Hotel: $62.40
Total: $495.29

Bryan LeonardColumbus, Ohio
Air: $221.30
Hotel: $124.80
Total: $346.10

Charles Thaxton, Ph.D.Peachtree City, Ga.
Air: $208.90
Hotel: $56.73
Total: $265.63

Daniel Ely, Ph.D.Akron, Ohio
Air: $228.30
Hotel: $136.36
Total: $364.66
(Dr. Ely was required to stay two nights because of afternoon testimony)

Edward T. Peltzer III, Ph.D.Moss Landing, Calif.
Air: $100
Hotel: $62.40
Total: $162.40
(This reflects the added cost of making a side trip to KC on another trip)

James Barham South Bend, Ind.
Air: $191.30
Hotel: $62.40
Total: $253.70

Michael Behe, Ph.D.Bethlehem, Pa.
Air: $373.29
Hotel: $62.40
Total: $435.69

Mustafa AkyolIstanbul, Turkey
Air: $282
Hotel: $132
Total: $414
(Mr. Akyol was already in the United States so his airfare reflects domestic rather than international travel. He was required to stay two nights because he testified late in the afternoon.)

Nancy Bryson, Ph.D.Kennesaw, Ga.
Air: $250.88
Parking: $23
Total: $273.88
(Dr. Bryson did not seek reimbursement for hotel expenses)

Ralph Seelke, Ph.D.Duluth, Minn.
Air: $359.40
Hotel: $138.61
Total: $498.01
(Dr. Seelke was required to stay two nights due to an alteration in the
speaking schedule to accommodate other witnesses.)

Robert Disilvestro, Ph.D.Dublin, Ohio
Hotel: $203.02
Total: $203.02
(Dr. Disilvestro’s hotel bill includes meals. It was agreed to cover the cost of those meals because Dr. Disilvestro did not seek reimbursement for his travel expenses.)

Roger DeHartMoor Park, Calif.
Air: $247.30
Hotel: $124.80
Total: $372.10
(Mr. DeHart was required to stay two nights because he testified late in the day.)

Russell Carlson, Ph.D.Athens, Ga.
Air: $213.90
Hotel: $62.40
Total: $276.30

Warren Nord, Ph.D.Chapel Hill, N.C.
Air: $178.30
Hotel: $124.80
Parking: $18.00
Total: $321.10
(Dr. Nord was asked to arrive early to listen to testimony from earlier witnesses.)

Grand Total: $4,987.73