John,

My whole point was (and remains):

  > Ultimately, museum professionals have mission statements
  > to follow, boards to direct or advise our activities, and
  > audiences to serve.  Whether you are at a government-sponsored
  > or private museum, you'll develop (or wait until you hear)
  > official policy regarding intelligent design.  If you don't
  > agree with your museum's policy, you'll fight it or seek
  > employment elsewhere.
  > 
  > It's really that simple.

It's easy to quote the Constitution and Jefferson, raise philosophical
points, and/or be an idealist about the role of museums.  Of course I agree
that museums ought to educate.  But decisions affecting what will be taught
will be determined on a case by case basis -- institutionally, not
nationally.  When it comes to public schools, each state (and in some cases
school district) will make that determination.

Whether we admit it or not, public and private museums all have an agenda .
. . supported by mission statements, boards, donors, directors, staff, etc.
The ideal of teaching all sides of every issue is rarely (dare I say
"never"?) put into practice for a reason: It's simply not possible.

When it comes to evolution, how many sides are there?  It's not just
evolution versus intelligent design.  There are dozens, hundreds, maybe
thousands (?) of interpretations of how, who, what, where, when, why Earth
and life on it came about.

One can never please all of the people all of the time due to the varied
constraints that exist . . . space, money, time, labor, agendas, etc.  A
science museum with a display about evolution should determine -- based on
its agenda (read: mission statement) whether or not to devote space, money,
time, labor to including other perspectives.  If some people don't like it,
they can protest by not visiting.  They can take it a step further by
telling others not to visit.  They may go yet another step further and
convince 'authorities in the discipline' and legislators to pressure the
museum.  But a private museum can stick to its position while a public
museum may not be able to . . . just depends how much fight is in them, and
how much trouble they are willing to face.

Maybe it's that simple?

Best wishes,
Jay

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