“Darwin Day” is currently an unofficial commemoration of Charles Darwin who systematized the philosophy of evolution as a subset of the science of biology.
Darwin Day is celebrated on a date based on Charles Darwin’s birth which took place on February 12, 1809 AD.
Representative Rush Holt (D-NJ) has proposed H. Res. 41 to Congress:
Expressing support for designation of February 12, 2013, as Darwin Day and recognizing the importance of science of science in the betterment of humanity.
The text of the resolution specifies:
Whereas Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by the mechanism of natural selection, together with the monumental amount of scientific evidence he compiled to support it, provides humanity with a logical and intellectually compelling explanation for the diversity of life on Earth; Whereas the validity of Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection is further strongly supported by the modern understanding of the science of genetics; Whereas it has been the human curiosity and ingenuity exemplified by Darwin that has promoted new scientific discoveries that have helped humanity solve many problems and improve living conditions; Whereas the advancement of science must be protected from those unconcerned with the adverse impacts of global warming and climate change; Whereas the teaching of creationism in some public schools compromises the scientific and academic integrity of the United States education systems; Whereas Charles Darwin is a worthy symbol of scientific advancement on which to focus and around which to build a global celebration of science and humanity intended to promote a common bond among all of Earth’s peoples; and
Whereas February 12, 2013, is the anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin in 1809 and would be an appropriate date to designate as Darwin Day: Now, therefore, be it…
In short, the resolution ties in the philosophy of Darwinian evolution with global warming, climate change and scientific compromise via creationism in some public schools.
Conversely, the petition section of the White House’s website is currently listing a petition to the Obama administration to, “Deny any motion of Congress to designate February 12, 2013 as Darwin Day” in the following terms:
Whereas a 2012 Gallup poll found that 46% of Americans express some form of opposition to the General Theory of Evolution, a declaration of a national Darwin Day would not be representative of nearly half the US population.
This would be tantamount to the government taking a position in the controversial debate of creation versus evolution. Regardless of which view one holds to be correct, this is outside of the government’s role in U.S. society, where toleration of differing views has always been held to be a virtue. But when the government takes a stand on these issues which should be debated among the population, this can be needlessly divisive.
We ask President Obama to recognize the differing views among the population deny any motion to declare February 12, 2013 as Darwin Day.
This is a debate that has been ongoing since 1859 AD when Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life.
Currently groups on both sides of the issue are continuing the debate in various forms. For example there is the International Darwin Day Foundation which seeks just that, to establish Darwin Day as an international observance. There is also the Question Evolution! Campaign which seeks just that, to have people question the philosophy.