Louisiana school board approves “academic freedom” policy for teachers covering controversial topics
The Ouachita Parish School Board in Louisiana has approved a policy that grants teachers "academic freedom" when teaching topics that might generate controversy, including evolution. The policy states: "The district understands that the teaching of some scientific subjects such as biological evolution, the chemical origins of life, global warming and human cloning, can cause controversy and that some teachers may be unsure of the district's expectations concerning how they should present information on such subjects … [therefore] teachers shall be permitted to help students understand, analyze, critique and review in an objective manner the scientific strengths and weaknesses of existing scientific theories pertinent to the course being taught." It also includes this language from U.S. Senator Rick Santorum’s (R-PA) unsuccessful attempt to amend the No Child Left Behind Act: "Where topics are taught that may generate controversy (such as biological evolution) … curriculum should help students to understand the full range of scientific views that exist, why such topics may generate controversy, and how scientific discoveries can profoundly affect society."
The policy has the enthusiastic support of the Louisiana Family Forum, which states that its mission is "to persuasively present biblical principles in the centers of influence on issues affecting the family through research, communication and networking." Barry Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, charges that the policy is "an underhanded way to undercut the theory of evolution" now that courts have barred both creationism and intelligent design from school courses. Mr. Lynn also takes issue with the notion that there is a scientific controversy about evolution, insisting the real controversy is a religious one. During the discussion at the board meeting, school board member Red Sims said, "I'd like to know what the teachers are going to be teaching." He also noted that his early recollections of the Darwin theory were that people came from monkeys and added, "I hope they won't be teaching that." The board’s unanimous vote was greeted with applause from the audience.
Shreveport Times
By Barbara Leader
[Full story]
Times-Picayune
By Associated Press
[Full story]
[Editor’s Note: The full text of the policy is posted below. The Michigan State Board of Education recently approved curriculum guidelines that support the teaching of evolution, but not intelligent design, in science classes. Information on that development is at the second link.]
[Ouachita Parish School Board policy]
[NSBA School Law pages on Michigan State Board of Education policy]