All across the country millions of teenagers are taught evolution as a necessary part of their biology curriculum. Evolution is a scientific theory of how the world and life as we know it came to be but some students feel that since this theory is taught so should the beliefs of many Americans. That belief is Creationism.
Creationism is a set of beliefs based on the idea that a Supreme Being created the earth and all its life through a direct act of creation. But is it legal to teach creationism inside the classroom? According to the Supreme Court in 1982 the teaching of Creationism in schools was labeled unconstitutional because it violated the separation of church and state. Some creationists were so set on including as part of the curriculum they tried to have a law passed making evolution a belief, therefore a religion, so that it too be disband from public education. A large number of science teachers across America feel it is unethical to bring religion into a science environment.
“I do not teach creationism because this is not a religion class. Creationism is a religious explanation for things and therefore better left to a religion class or a church,” biology teacher Mr. Steve Dally explained.
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Though the teaching of creationism is against the law, letting students know there is another theory of the beginning of life is not.
“If one is teaching in America, I think it is important to teach the historical controversy between evolution and creationism and if possible, suggest ways so both theories blend,” Mrs. Ellen Atkinson said.
Creationists are not happy with just hinting towards creationism so to avoid constitutional limits on teaching a specific religion, they call for schools to teach theories that do not refer to God, but they do state that species appeared suddenly rather than evolving from earlier forms. Creationists have successfully used this approach to persuade a number of school districts to include discussion of creationism in science curriculums. Many classrooms have embarked in these heated discussions but what does the school board recommend?
“The school board expects me to teach the curriculum they have approved, which includes evolution and excludes creationism. The state expects me to prepare students for the WASL, which also includes evolution and excludes creationism,” Dally said.
Sure creationists and scientists of evolution want their way when it comes to education, but what do the students want to learn?
“The only evidence of creationism is the bible, but for evolution there are fossils, books, and DNA similarities. If people want to learn creationism they can read the bible or go to church, school is not the place,” explained junior Sarah Jellum.
Here at Auburn High many students have been offended with the idea that we may have evolved from homo-erectus and such and feel they should have the right to take part in the class or not.
“I think it is a good idea (to teach evolution) but for those who don’t feel comfortable learning about it should be able to leave, they shouldn’t be forced to learn about it,” said sophomore Rachel Skeel.
So while it may not be constitutional, letting students know there is another path for the way life came to be is very helpful and not as offensive. Evolution for the time being will be left in the classroom and creationism to the churches, where many agree it belongs.
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To What Extent Should High School Students be allowed to Exercise Freedom of Speech While on Campus I think that nowadays to deal with an issue of students free speech rights is a tough problem for High School administrators. The matter is that students free speech is protected by the First Amendment. Thus it means that students are allowed to exercise free speech while on campus. But what should ...
