From the Richard Dawkins Foundation Newsletter. Subscribe here.
Hello!
2024 has been an eventful and uneven year, one marked by important steps forward and more than a few difficult setbacks. Progress, much like history, does not move in a straight line. No matter what the path, however, the intended destination remains (as Richard Dawkins himself says in a special message at the end of this email) “a society where science and reason are not just acknowledged but celebrated.”
We’ve discussed the Cass Review on multiple occasions throughout this year and its emphasis on prioritizng scientifically sound treatment for minors experiencing gender incongruence and/or gender dysphoria. That landmark report prompted the UK government to temporarily stop prescribing puberty blockers for patients under age eighteen. Based on an independent scientific review, the UK government has extended that ban indefinitely, with Britain’s Health Secretary emphasizing “Children’s healthcare must always be evidence-led.”
That’s a message that someone desperately needs to share with the incoming Trump administration; a new report from Reuters says Donald Trump and his nominee to run Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., are discussing putting an end to childhood vaccination programs that have saved millions of lives over the course of many decades.
Unfortunately, the government embrace of anti-science extends far wider. We’ll look at a recent announcement by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that it’s looking to incorporate “indigenous knowledge” into scientific efforts to address the impact of climate change.
There’s better news out of Kenya, where the country’s High Court recently issued an important ruling affirming the rights of nonbelievers and reiterating that, despite what some would insist otherwise, Kenya has no state religion.
With the end of the year upon us, I’m happy to note how often Richard Dawkins’s The Genetic Book of the Dead is popping up on various “best of” lists. Notably, it was named science book of the year by the Times and Sunday Times. Congratulations, Richard!
I am also very pleased to share that Richard Dawkins has once again agreed to personally match up to $25,000 in individual donations to the Foundation, dollar-for-dollar, through December 31.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment. I wish you and those you love a happy holiday season and a wonderful new year.
Robyn E. Blumner,
CEO and President, Center for Inquiry
Executive Director, Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason & Science
