In a move that underscores the ongoing debate over science education in public schools, the University of Oklahoma has announced the appointment of a professor to a crucial role in combating scientific misinformation. This development comes amid broader discussions on how educational materials are accessed and scrutinized by the public.
Kelly Feille, an associate professor at the University of Oklahoma, has been recognized as a 2025 Sound Science Fellow by the National Center for Science Education (NCSE), according to a university release. This fellowship aims to bolster the teaching of evolution and climate change, addressing challenges such as misinformation and educational standards.
Stacy Reeder, dean of OU’s Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education, praised Feille’s commitment, saying, “Dr. Feille’s selection as a Sound Science Fellow reflects her deep commitment to advancing evidence-based science education.” Feille’s two-year fellowship will involve both independent and collaborative projects, as well as seminars.
The NCSE is dedicated to ensuring accurate education on topics like evolution and climate change, as noted on their website. Their work includes highlighting efforts to counter misinformation, such as that spread by the Illinois fossil fuels industry, as detailed in their 2024 report.
The NCSE has criticized initiatives like the Illinois Petroleum Resource Board’s program, which provides free educational resources about oil extraction, for lacking sufficient information on climate change. Critics argue that such resources promote the notion that the fossil fuel industry will remain a viable job source, contradicting evidence to the contrary, as noted in a report.
Feille’s social media presence, particularly her X account, often features retweets from left-leaning political figures and organizations, including the Oklahoma Education Association. One noteworthy post celebrates the defeat of House Bill 2077, which proposed increased transparency in public school curricula.
House Bill 2077, proposed by state Rep. Chad Caldwell, aimed to create an online portal for reviewing educational materials. The bill was defeated due to concerns that it might unnecessarily agitate parents.
Climate Change Perceptions
Feille’s NCSE fellowship comes at a time when public concern over climate change is reportedly waning. A Gallup poll in April indicated that 41% of Americans believe global warming is exaggerated in the media. A subsequent survey found that many Americans prefer individual actions over government policies to tackle climate change.
Prominent voices have also weighed in, with Bill Gates recently stating that “the doomsday view” of climate change is incorrect. Gates highlighted the role of increased energy use in improving living conditions and noted the declining number of deaths due to heat, thanks to better access to air conditioning.
Amidst these discussions, a high-profile study predicting severe economic impacts from climate change was retracted due to flawed data. This has contributed to a perception, as noted by Andrew Follett in National Review, that public support for climate change action is diminishing. Similarly, Josh Hammer observed in the Los Angeles Times that fewer Americans view climate change as an imminent threat.
[For more stories about higher education in Oklahoma, visit AimHigherOK.com.]
Original Story at ocpathink.org