Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Creation-Science Textbooks Right or Wrong?
June 19th, 1987 Supreme Court Decision declaring it unconstitional for creationism to be taught in science classes (in public schools) in regards to whether Louisiana's "Balanced Treatment for Creation-Science and Evolution-Science in Public School Instruction" Act was constitutional. That decision states that no school is required to teach evolution or creation science. If either is taught, however, the other must also be taught.
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Hang on a sec -- Edwards v. Aguillard (1987) says that it's illegal for a state (the case arose out of Louisiana) to require creationism to be taught along with evolution because there's a clear religious purpose to creationism, thus violating the 1st Amendment and the Lemon Test. This was later applied to intelligent design in the U.S. District Court Case Kitzmiller v Dover (2005). As it stands now, both are legally considered to be religious in nature and thus cannot be required curriculum in schools.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwards_v._Aguillard
I hope that last night's discussion provided some more clarification on this...whoops! ha
After doing the law presentation with Lauren on religion in public schools, I was impressed and pleased to see how the Supreme Court has consistently upheld the First Amendment to keep schools from establishing religion or limiting its free exercise. This continues to be an issue in our schools, but if we keep going back to the Constitution, the right answer is usually clear. I am a Christian, but I would never want to impose my beliefs on a student or belittle their beliefs, even indirectly. There is a place for religious training -- at home, in church, and in private schools, but let's keep the government out of it!
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