Support for Science and Math Education

Laurie David's Nov. 26 Outlook article, "Science a la Joe Camel," attacked the National Science Teachers Association, corporate America, education budgets and Exxon Mobil Corp.

Exxon Mobil has no view on the National Science Teachers Association's decision not to share a DVD of Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" with its members. It is an independent organization and acts accordingly. We do, however, object to Ms. David's unfair criticism of Exxon Mobil's longstanding support for math and science education.

America is experiencing a crisis in this field of education. A recent National Science Foundation report said that in 2005 fewer than 20 percent of 12th-graders reached proficiency in math and science. Such statistics should alarm teachers, parents and the wider society that will rely on today's students and their abilities in the future.

Exxon Mobil has a long history of supporting math and science education programs from preschool to college. Our recent $10 million commitment to New Orleans public schools is one example.

Finally, Ms. David grossly misrepresented our company's position on climate change and ignored the breadth of activities we are undertaking to address it. The irony of her position is that by attacking the National Science Teachers Association and its supporters, she risks undermining the progress of scientific knowledge, which is essential to tackling climate change and many other issues challenging America today.

KENNETH P. COHEN

Vice President of Public Affairs

ExxonMobil Corp.

Irving, Tex.