Texas Vote May Challenge Teaching of Evolution

tboulay writes "The Texas Board of Education will vote this week on a new science curriculum designed to challenge the guiding principle of evolution, a step that could influence what is taught in biology classes across the nation. The proposed curriculum change would prompt teachers to raise doubts that all life on Earth is descended from common ancestry. Texas is such a large textbook market that many publishers write to the state's standards, then market those books nationwide. 'This is the most specific assault I've seen against evolution and modern science,' said Steven Newton, a project director at the National Center for Science Education, which promotes teaching of evolution." Both sides are saying the issue it too close to call. Three Republicans on the school board who favor the teaching of evolution have come under enormous pressure to reform their ways.

Comments

Re:Remains unbelievable

[sheph]

Why should evolution be beyond question? It certainly isn't fact, and it shouldn't be taught as such. If the whole world believes that you can jump off a cliff without harm does that make it true? Maybe if enough evolutionist try it over time they will develop spring loaded legs. It's amazing to me that the circular logic that is used to defend one position is precisely what is used to discredit the other side. You don't believe in creation? Fine. The Bible has survived over 2000 years, and there is plenty of evidence to suggest that it's far more than an old book of stories. But don't tell me that your so called evidence is any more credible than my belief. There have been plenty of misconceptions, deceptions, and outright lies surrounding evolution over the years. It's the religion of choice among athiests. I'd rather not have my children subjected to it, and I know I'm not alone. This idea that because scientists say it's true that we have to blindly accept it is just as dangerous as blindly accepting any other ideology. What makes evolution so special?