Class is Dismissed for Evolution
Dateline: 08/19/99
A firestorm erupted recently when the Kansas Board of Education voted to de-emphasize the teaching of evolution in biology courses.
On August 11, the School Board voted to "downplay" evolution. The vote means that most if not all references to evolution in the state's science curriculum will be removed. The Board narrowly passed the resolution, with six voting in favor of the changes and four voting against them. The members voting for the resolution were particularly interested in removing references to human beings descending from lower primates.
Based on a 1987 Supreme Court decision, schools can't ban the teaching of evolution. In effect, the Board has circumvented this ruling by removing all references to evolution from the curriculum. Teachers could conceivably not teach evolution as it will not be on the mandated state standardized tests.
Note that the standards are merely suggestions. It is up to each individual school district to decide whether or not evolution will be taught.
Many have speculated that the students in the schools will be the ones who will ultimately suffer. If they are not exposed to the fundamental tenets of evolutionary theory, the students may be at a significant disadvantage when they matriculate to college.
Charles Darwin, author of The Origin of Species , developed the theory of evolution in the 19th century. Since its advent, it has been the subject of continuous controversy from different factions in society. From the infamous "Scopes Monkey Trial" to modern day battles in local school systems, it is the subject of much debate. Several polls have shown that approximately half of the population doesn't believe in the theory of evolution.
What do you think? Does this violate the separation of church and state? Are we still experiencing after effects from the Scopes trial? Come on over to the Biology Forum and share your thoughts, opinions and feelings. Until next time...
For additional information see:
- Evolution Decision Seen as Victory for Conservatives
News release from The Kansas City Star. - Statement on Teaching Evolution
Statement from the National Association of Biology Teachers. - Evolution NetLinks
Links and information pertaining to evolution.
