Science lessons to stir debate

• By WILL SENTELL
• Advocate Capitol News Bureau
• Published: Jan 9, 2009 - Page: 1A - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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New arguments have erupted on how to teach evolution in Louisiana public schools.

Last year lawmakers enacted a law to overhaul the way evolution and other controversial science topics are taught in middle and high schools.

Now the focus is the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, which is required by the new law to come up with guidelines for local school districts that seek assistance.

A committee of the board is set to take up the issue Tuesday. Final action is expected Thursday.

However, what the rules should say is triggering behind-the-scenes jockeying by both sides.

Backers said the law is needed to give science teachers more freedom to hold discussions that challenge traditional theories, including Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.

Critics contend the law is aimed at injecting religious themes into public schools.

An advisory panel set up by the state Department of Education has recommended guidelines that won praise from opponents of the law.

Barbara Forrest, of Holden, a professor and co-founder of the LA Coalition for Science, said the rules would block any efforts to inject creationism or intelligent design under the guise of science.

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 contend the universe stems from an intelligent designer rather than chance.

“I don’t think there is anything in there that is going to give very much room to anyone who wants to teach creationism or who wants to undermine evolution,” Forrest said of the advisory panel’s proposed guidelines.

But Gene Mills, executive director of the Louisiana Family Forum, said the advisory panel’s recommendations were merely the first draft in the discussions.