RE "BIOLOGIST fired for beliefs, suit says: Woods Hole states creationist stance at odds with work" (Page A1, Dec. 7). It seems that this young man was not, in fact, fired for his beliefs but for his inability to perform his duties as outlined by the principal investigator of the laboratory and the grant that paid his salary.
Developmental biology centers around the fact that the theory of evolution has been supported by more than 100 years of experimental results and fossil records. It makes about as much sense for someone who does not believe in evolution to become a developmental biologist as it does for an atheist to become a priest.
This has nothing to do with what this man believes; it has to do with his inability to recognize that a rejection of evolution is a rejection of the backbone of the enterprise in which he is engaged and, as such, is a severe limitation of his ability to perform his job.
TERESA MITCHELL
Somerville
I ONCE heard a ping in the motor of my car, so I took it to a garage. I asked the mechanic for some fuel additive, but he didn't believe in the theory of internal combustion. Instead, he suggested it was elves, and he offered to pour some pixicide in my tank while reciting some incantations. I said no thanks, and I don't believe that guy is in the auto repair business anymore.
Whether you're a mechanic or a researcher, whether it's applied or theoretical science, if you are hired to do a job based on a specific scientific theory, you had better believe in that theory or risk being fired as unqualified for the job. Better yet, you'd be wise to tell your prospective employer about your beliefs up front, and not take the job in the first place.
Unless, perhaps, you are just out to file a frivolous lawsuit based on religious discrimination.
RICH LATIMER
Falmouth
