Proposed science exhibit sparks evolution debate in McAllen

McALLEN — The prospect of a city-sponsored science exhibit, which would explain evolution and the big-bang theory, drew 20 opponents to City Hall on Thursday night, where they vehemently objected to the idea.

Many came from neighborhoods near the proposed exhibit, which comprises a series of 90 panels that would be installed along a trail between La Vista Avenue and Nolana Avenue, running parallel to Bicentennial Boulevard. During a tense but civil meeting, everyone who spoke voiced his or her opposition to the exhibit.

“We’re very offended by it because it’s a theory that’s being presented as fact,” said Ruth Ann Jones, president of the Westway Avenue Neighborhood Association. She questioned whether the exhibit represents the “official ethic and global political agenda of the City of McAllen.”

Together, the panels would explain the scientific history of the universe, starting with the big bang and ending with the evolution of man. It’s the same material found in science textbooks across the country.

A collaboration between McAllen and the International Museum of Art and Science, the exhibit cost about $100,000, said Sally Gavlik, McAllen’s director of parks and recreation. Her department has been tasked with finding a home for the exhibit, which McAllen acquired several years ago.

“I would just put it back in the storage room,” said Sally Stocker, who lives on Westway Avenue. “I can’t see one useful purpose for it.”

While most people who spoke registered their opposition to any city-endorsed exhibit explaining evolution, they also criticized the project’s aesthetic appeal and said the money could be better used improving lighting on the trail and planting vegetation.

“One of the reasons why I go out on this trail is for me to get away and enjoy God’s creation for a little bit,” said Chris Freels, who lives on Highland Avenue. “I would like to see trees. I don't want to see things that I have to read or somebody’s point of view or somebody’s theory.”

The proposal isn’t a “done deal,” Gavlik said, and she encouraged people with concerns about the exhibit to contact the city commission or city manager. She said notes from the meeting would be given to the commission, which meets Monday.

Commissioner John Ingram, who represents the district where the exhibit would be installed, said the controversy surprised him, and he hoped it wouldn’t create a divisive discussion. The idea, he said, was to create an educational exhibit that would spark interest in science.

He wasn’t at the meeting, and spoke with The Monitor during an interview late Thursday night.

“The city has events like La Posada and the mayor’s prayer luncheon. We start our city commission meetings with a prayer. I think to go down this path, it’s dangerous — because it’s a slippery slope,” Ingram said. “If these individuals oppose these sorts of exhibits, they’re opening the door for others to oppose La Posada, starting our meetings with a prayer and the mayor's prayer luncheon. I think that’s unfortunate because that would hurt our sense of community.”

It’s important for the city to promote high culture, and expose people to symphonies and science, Ingram said. The exhibit, which includes evolution, would be a way to accomplish that goal.

“I’m Catholic and that’s a very tough issue,” Ingram said. He noted scientists generally accept evolution, and said he has no reason to doubt it.

“I’m going to tell you straight, I believe that theory,” Ingram said. But in light of the controversy, Ingram said he would consider whether the exhibit is an appropriate project for the city to undertake.

--

Dave Hendricks covers McAllen and general assignments for The Monitor. He can be reached at (956) 683-4452.