Evolutionists are up in arms over a bill in the Alabama legislature that would allow students to learn the “strengths and weaknesses” of scientific theories.
The evolutionists claim it’s an attempt by creationists to undermine “the integrity of science education.”
The bill in question, House Bill 592, amends the state’s education policy to include objective review and discussion of existing scientific theories.
“This bill would require the State Board of Education, local boards of education, and staff of K-12 public schools to create an environment that encourages students to explore scientific questions, learn about scientific evidence, develop critical thinking skills, and respond appropriately and respectfully to differences of opinion about scientific subjects,” the bill’s synopsis states. “This bill would also allow public school teachers to help students understand, analyze, critique, and review the scientific strengths and scientific weaknesses of all existing scientific theories covered in a science course.”
While the bill specifically prohibits promotion of “any religious doctrine”, groups are claiming it’s all about religion.
“This is a thinly-veiled attempt to open the door to religious fanatics who don’t believe in evolution, climate change or other scientifically-based teaching in our schools,” ACLU of Alabama executive director Susan Watson told AL.com.
The bill’s lead sponsor, Representative Mack Butler, denied the attacks against the bill in a posting on social media.
“To clarify HB 592 only encourages debate on scientific theories! Nothing is mandated,” Butler posted on Facebook last week. “I don’t understand all the profanity laced emails from a few liberals I’m receiving about this bill. There is nothing to fear in a little healthy debate as debate helps develop critical thinking skills for our students.”