The Discovery Institute, a group in Seattle that supports "intelligent design," is announcing on its Web site that it and the director of the museum "are happy to announce the national premiere and private evening reception" on June 23 for the movie, "The Privileged Planet: The Search for Purpose in the Universe."
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There has been a lot of discussion about this on various lists...now the Director of the Natural History Museum has issued the following statement that appeared on a museum discussion list:
--- Sally Shelton
> Posted on behalf of Dr. Samper.
Cristián Samper 7:34 PM Tuesday, May 31, 2005,
> 2005 >>>
> To the Museum Community,
>
> After considerable discussion with NMNH staff and in
> consultation with the Secretary and his staff, we
> have agreed to issue the following statement
> regarding the planned presentation of the Discovery
> Institute film, "The Privileged Planet," in Baird
> Auditorium on June 23. Please feel free to share
> this statement with your colleagues. I will look
> forward to discussing this further with each of you
> in the very near future.
>
> Statement by the Director, National Museum of
> Natural History
>
> The Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History
> recently approved a request by the Discovery
> Institute to hold a private, invitation-only
> screening and reception at the Museum on June 23 for
> the film "The Privileged Planet." Upon further
> review we have determined that the content of the
> film is not consistent with the mission of the
> Smithsonian Institution's scientific research.
> Neither the Smithsonian Institution nor the National
> Museum of Natural History supports or endorses the
> Discovery Institute or the film "The Privileged
> Planet." However, since Smithsonian policy states
> that all events held at any museum be "co-sponsored"
> by the director and the outside organization, and we
> have signed an agreement with this organization, we
> will honor the commitment made to provide space for
> the event.
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