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August 15, 2005

State of Kansas downgrades evolution teaching 

by Chris Herlinger
Ecumenical News International 

NEW YORK — The education board of the State of Kansas has tentatively approved new guidelines supported by some Christians that encourage public school teachers to teach a variety of theories about the origins of life, downgrading the centrality of the theory of evolution. 

      On a 6-4 vote on Aug. 10, the Kansas Board of Education approved a draft of new standards that call for teachers to explore a variety of theories about the biological origins of life.         

      Final approval of the new standards is expected either in September or October. While Kansas teachers could still teach the standard — and still widely accepted — theory of evolution advanced by Charles Darwin, that theory, based on the notion of “natural selection,” would no longer be required in Kansas public school curricula and would be complemented by the teaching of other theories. 

      One theory that has gained increasing prominence among critics of evolution is that of “intelligent design” which contends that an intelligent cause, rather than natural selection, explains the creation and foundation of the universe and of life. The opponents of this theory argue, however, that intelligent design theory is unscientific and is a contemporary version of      creationism being advanced by conservative Christians. 

      Earlier this month, President George W. Bush said he supported “intelligent design theory” being taught alongside other theories, saying students should “understand what the debate is about.” 

      That prompted Barry Lynn, head of the advocacy group Americans United for Separation of Church and State, to say that Bush was confusing religion and science. Lynn called the president’s comments “irresponsible” and undermined “the teaching of sound science in the nation’s public schools.”