June 2017 Church & State - June 2016

Texas Adopts New Science Standards

  AU admin

By a 14-0 vote, the Texas State Board of Education agreed on a public school science curriculum that would allow students to learn science without requiring them to challenge the theory of evolution.

The most recent anti-evolution controversy in the state arose when language that stated students are required to “evaluate all sides” of science was placed in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills science standards earlier this year. Critics argued that this was code for sneaking creationism into Texas public school science classes.

Keven Ellis, a member of the board, proposed eliminating the requirement to “evaluate” biology standards by allowing students to voluntarily “compare and contrast scientific explanations.” With Ellis’ bipartisan compromise, the controversial requirement has been dropped, and the new standard will go into effect starting in the 2018-19 school year.

In an April 21 statement, the National Center for Science Education called this solution “a victory for the integrity of science education in Texas.” Kathy Miller, the president of the Texas Freedom Network, an organization that advocates for religious freedom and public education, echoed this sentiment. 

BREAKING NEWS

Americans United & the National Women’s Law Center file suit to challenge Missouri’s abortion bans.

Abortion bans violate the separation of church and state. Americans United and the National Women’s Law Center—the leading experts in religious freedom and gender justice—have joined forces with thirteen clergy from six faith traditions to challenge Missouri’s abortion bans as unconstitutionally imposing one narrow religious doctrine on everyone.


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