La. alone with controversial science law

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Backers contend the new rules will allow for wide-open classroom debates, including arguments on Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.

Opponents have repeatedly charged that the law is designed to inject religious views — Christian creationism and intelligent design — into long-settled science issues.

“Although the proponents of the law have said it is not about letting religion in the classroom, we frankly have doubts about their sincerity,” said Richard Katskee, assistant legal director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State in Washington, D.C.

Katskee’s group calls itself a national watchdog organization to prevent government-backed religious teaching.

Christian creationism is the view that life began 6,000 years ago in a process described in the Bible’s Book of Genesis. Intelligent design advocates argue that the universe stems from an intelligent designer rather than chance.

While the legislative debate is over, the arguments may resume at the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

That is because the law allows the board to ban supplemental science materials that it finds objectionable.

Scott Norton, assistant superintendent for student and school performance, said state education officials are working on policies that offer guidance for local school boards on what kind of supplemental materials are allowed.

Those boards have to approve new materials before they enter science classrooms.

How any local disputes on which materials are permissible will be appealed to the state’s top school board is still being reviewed, Norton said.

The issue is expected to be one of the topics at the board’s August meeting.

Meanwhile, the new law has triggered rumblings of a lawsuit throughout the debate.

“We are going to be watching closely to make sure that this does not involving teaching religion in public classrooms,” Katskee said.