Texas Schools Face the Evolution Debate

2:13 P.M.
3/5/09
http://www.usnews.com/blogs/on-education/2009/03/30/texas-schools-face-the-evolution-debate.html

Recently in the public school system in the state of Texas it was discovered that for years on end, the state law created loopholes that allowed for the teaching of creationistic teachings, or otherwise known as “Intelligent Design.” The article states that some of the politicians of Texas attempted to preserve laws that allowed students to assess the “strengths and weaknesses” of mainstream scientific theories. Most people seem to think that this is a poor approach to the education for students on the subject of the origins of the world, “We appreciate that the politicians on the board seek compromise, but [we] don't agree that compromises can be made on established mainstream science or on honest education policy."

I am definitely for the separation of Church and state to the fullest degree, and I see the mere thought of teaching evolution in public schools as being quite outrageous. I am against the teaching of creationism as much as I am against the teaching of any other conspiracy theory in public schools. The schools are for academic teachings and academic teachings only, creationism and other religions do not belong in public schools. How are we supposed to become an educated nation on par with Japan and other countries if we continue to lend credit and give way to a system long ago proven to be ridden with faults? How are we to be taken seriously as a country if we continue to give this kind of credit to the extreme religious right?