WP: Fresh Challenges in the Old Debate Over Evolution

[DeepModem Mom]

Fresh Challenges in the Old Debate Over Evolution

By Valerie Strauss
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, December 7, 2004; Page A14


.... Eighty years after John T. Scopes, a high school biology teacher, was charged with illegally teaching the theory of evolution in Tennessee, the social and intellectual values that imbued that trial with such meaning continue to stir emotions, prompting challenges in school boards and state legislatures, courthouses and schoolrooms....

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"The science classroom has become the battleground," said legal scholar Charles Haynes of the Freedom Forum's First Amendment Center in Arlington. "Because we are paralyzed by this debate, the decisions are not often made on the basis of what is good for science education. They are made on the basis of what might win in court, or political considerations, or sometimes religious considerations."

The vast majority of scientists agree that evolution is a proven major unifying concept in science and should be not only included in science education in kindergarten through 12th grade but also better imbedded in school standards. Many scientists grow infuriated at evolution challenges by people they believe are trying to infuse religion into a strictly scientific process....


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A40839-2004Dec6.html