Both were driven by proposed curriculum changes in Darby schools last year that mandated the discussion of "intelligent design" theory in science classes.
Sen. Ken Toole, D-Helena, is sponsoring a resolution that would reaffirm the state's commitment to separation of church and state and to teaching valid scientific principles, which in his mind would rule out creationism.
In an e-mail response to a request for an interview, Koopman said few people realize that the scientific evidence disputing evolution is just as strong as the evidence supporting it.
"The only time religious bias becomes a factor is when people try to ban scientific data that supports intelligent design, because they insist that only an atheistic model of origins should be taught," he wrote.
The theory of creationism states that life and the Earth were created by God from nothing, while intelligent design, a secular form of creationism, argues the Earth was created by a series of intelligent events, not random chance. Evolution says that species change in response to environmental and genetic factors over the course of many generations.
Critics contend intelligent design is nothing more than creationism in disguise, but proponents say the theory isn't religious because it doesn't state who or what the intelligent designer is.
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that creationism is religion and cannot be taught as science in public schools.
Toole sees intelligent design as the latest version of creationism.
"It is, I think, a rather clever way to try to get around the fact that they're promoting a biblical interpretation of history," he said.
Koopman is worried the state is forcing its standards on local school boards, saying he wants "to put an end to the kind of heavy-handed bureaucratic meddling that recently occurred at the Darby schools."
|
 |
 |
Add your comment now! Write your comment in the form below.
(Email address is for verification only. If you'd like to email a story, look for the link above)