If it weren’t for a Supreme Court decision in the case Epperson v. Arkansas, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this week, it could still be illegal to teach evolution in some public schools.

Fifty years ago this month, the landmark Supreme Court decision in Epperson v. Arkansas effectively ended the teaching of biblical creationism in public schools, but also helped spawn its offspring – intelligent design and “teach the controversy” laws.

The Arizona State Board of Education is reviewing the state’s science curriculum standards and the superintendent of public instruction, Diane Douglas, is using the opportunity to push a creationist agenda.