The State Board of Education in Kansas has approved new science standards that include increasing criticism of the theory of evolution. The final vote was 6-4 in favor of the new curriculum which was advocated by supporters of the theory of 'intelligent design.'
The board approved the draft but asked it to be reviewed by outside academics. Final approval is expected in October.
The official draft does not advocate the teaching of 'intelligent design' which contends that a higher power must have created the world. Critics say that intelligent design is an unscientific theory that is merely a way of masking the teaching of the biblical story of creation. However, the draft was written by advocates of the intelligent design theory.
'When mainstream science accepts this, we can put them in science classes,' said Janet Waugh, who voted against the new draft.
Kathy Martin, an advocate of the new standards, told the Associated Press that opponents were overreacting.
'I hope you guys can realize it's not going to be the end of the world,' Ms. Martin said. 'I hope you will try to be more open-minded.'
Kansas decided to delete most references to evolution in its science text books in 1999 but the following year, elections resulted in a less conservative school board. In 2004, opponents of evolution once again gained a majority on the board. The result is the new curriculum passed on Tuesday.
President Bush recently advocated the teaching of ‘intelligent design’ in public schools, claiming that ‘both sides’ should be taught to children.
