[education.independent.co.uk]

A leading creationist who claims to use science to prove the Bible’s version of how the Earth was made begins a controversial tour of Britain today.

John Mackay, an Australian geologist who believes he has uncovered fossil evidence which dismisses evolution and proves that Noah’s flood really did happen will speak at several state schools and universities during his eight-week visit to the UK.

[…]

Mr Mackay will address meetings at St Andrews, Bangor and Northampton universities and plans to give presentations at a number of secondary schools, including most controversially one on the Fylde coast in Lancashire where he will give a series of talks over three days.

The visits have already sparked controversy with teaching unions, scientists and secular groups rushing to condemn the exposure of a captive audience of children to his views.

Organisers of the trip declined to reveal the name and exact location of the Lancashire school on Mr Mackay’s speaking tour, citing the need to protect staff and pupils from unwelcome attention.

One worried local resident said to the Blackpool Citizen: “Why is the location being kept secret? Why are parents, teachers and governors not being informed? Why is a man whose background cannot be verified being given three-day access to a secondary school?”

Keith Porteous Wood, executive director of the National Secular Society said he was appalled that Mr Mackay would be lecturing at the school.

“Giving a creationist three days to indoctrinate a captive audience of pupils is verging on intellectual child abuse,” he said. “Who else but someone bent on brainwashing their pupils would invite a creationist to… for three days without any balancing scientist?

more at [education.independent.co.uk]