Thursday, January 13, 2005

Cobb evolution stickers declared unconstitutional

"The disclaimers read: 'This textbook contains material on evolution. Evolution is a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things. This material should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully and critically considered.'LINK
The lawsuit challenging the disclaimers, which call evolution a "theory, not a fact," was brought by six parents who believed the disclaimers violated the principle of separation between church and state. Cooper heard three days of testimony, plus closing arguments, last November."

In other words, the law says evolution theory is an absolute truth while Intelligent Design is bunk. The school board planned to fulfill the laws demand to teach evolution theory but wanted to give the students the understanding that they could debate this and remain comfortable with the values taught in their families. The stickers were designed after 2,300 signatures were obtained on a petition led by Marjorie Rogers, a creationist.
Most parents in the county did not complain, but 6 parents brought suit to have the stickers removed. The ration of 6:2300 really makes you wonder when the strident minority got the upper hand.

The wording of the sticker seems to me to be fairly innocuous and definitely does not put forth any specific religious theory. Although this law flies in the face of the "free exercise" clause of the First Amendment, the school board is not funded to take on lengthy lawsuits and appeals. Therefore once again, those who want no theories taught that are in keeping with the Biblical origin of man have again won.

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