Undermining evolution in Texas schools — VOICES for REASON

The Texas school board is voting this week on proposed changes to the science curriculum which would require students to learn of the “insufficiency of common ancestry” to explain life (See Text of Proposed Revisions to 19 TAC, Chapter 112, Subchapter C, §112.34.c.7B). The vote is the latest development in the ongoing efforts of “intelligent design” advocates to undermine science in public schools. And it appears to be a very a credible threat.

The Texas school board chairman is an outspoken creationist who believes that God created the earth less than 10,000 years ago–and apparently he has seven of the 15 school board members on his side. Should the new curriculum pass, the ramifications may be felt in public schools across the nation. Advocates of “intelligent design” creationism across the Bible Belt can be expected to push their agenda with newfound vigor and ammunition. Moreover, because Texas is one of the largest purchasers of textbooks in the country, the decision by its school board could influence the content of textbooks that are sold nationwide.

ARC’s Keith Lockitch has for several years been writing and lecturing about evolution and the attacks mounted against it by the “intelligent design” movement. Take a look at some of his commentary–for example, here, here, here and here–if you’d like to familiarize yourself with the arguments and methods of this anti-science movement.