Evolution on trial
The week's news at a glance.
Topeka
The Kansas Board of Education is proposing new standards requiring teachers to challenge the theory of evolution in the state’s public schools. Scientists boycotted three days of hearings on the changes, accusing the board of holding a “kangaroo court” that was rigged against Darwin’s theory of how life on Earth had evolved. A string of experts testified in support of a competing theory, known as intelligent design, that holds that the complexities of the universe must have been sketched out by a supernatural creator. If the board adopts the new standards, as expected, Kansas would become the second state, after Ohio, mandating that students be taught that there is controversy over evolution. Alabama and Georgia are considering similar measures.
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