Pa. Board of Education rejects effort to open door to creationism in public school

Church & State, Sep 2001

The Pennsylvania Board of Education has rejected new language for state science standards that would have opened the door for the teaching of creationism.

The board voted 13-2 July 12 against proposed changes that would have required students to "analyze the impact of new scientific facts on the theory of evolution" and to "analyze evidence of fossil records, similarities in body structures, embryological studies and DNA studies that support or do not support the theory of evolution."

Critics noted that the theory of evolution is well supported in modern science and said the language was an attempt to undermine it by instilling doubts in the minds of students. The state's Independent Regulatory Review Commission, which had studied the recommended changes, called them unnecessary.

Most board members agreed, as did state education officials. "We're very pleased that they went through," said Charles B. Zogby, state education secretary. "The standards reflect good science."

The effort to introduce creationism into the standards was led by state Rep. Daryl Metcalf (R-Butler). In the wake of the vote, Metcalf vowed to try to alter the standards through separate legislation if necessary. (The state House of Representatives and Senate will vote on approving the standards later this year.)

But Pennsylvania's Republican governor, Tom Ridge, seems to have no interest in the crusade. In a statement, Ridge praised the science standards, calling them "good news for Pennsylvania parents, students and teachers."

Americans United weighed in on the controversy in May, urging the State Board of Education to reject the new language.

"The proposed language does not just raise concerns because of its effect on the student's science education," wrote Americans United Executive Director Barry W. Lynn. "The proposed language is also objectionable because it appears to invite the teaching of creationism in the public schools."

In other news about creationism and evolution:

* Hawaii's Board of Education has unanimously rejected a proposal to interject creationism into the state's public schools. In late July, the board's Regular Education Committee voted to replace references to evolution with "multiple theories of origin." Board chair Denise Matsumoto had complained that the old standards taught evolution as fact. But, facing widespread opposition, Matsumoto dropped the idea and voted against the proposal.

* Chetek, Wisc., education officials are studying the possibility of offering creationism alongside evolution. The issue came up in May after a student complained to her pastor about being taught evolution in class. A group of parents later gave the school board a petition asking that creationism be included in the 10th grade curriculum.

* Fundamentalist churches in Roseville, Calif., have besieged the local public schools, insisting that "intelligent design" be taught alongside evolution. The school board voted 4-1 June 14 to adopt science standards that stress evolution. Led by Presbyterian pastor Jim Barstow, local clergy have demanded that the board reconsider. The pastors want "intelligent design" - a variant of creationism - taught in class as well.