An argument that spans back to the beginning of
time - where did man come from? Did he evolve
from primates or was he created by a higher
power?
Just as hotly debated, how should it be taught
in public schools? The State Board of Education
will answer that question when they meet on
February 19.
The topic of evolution can be a touchy subject.
Some people think if schools teach evolution,
they should give equal time to intelligent
design.
Representative Marti Coley says her efforts to
fight the new science standards the State will
vote on doesn't go quite that far. To her, the
argument comes down to one word - theory. She
says if evolution is taught as fact, without
inserting the word theory alongside the word
evolution, it does not acknowledge that some
aspects of evolution are still up for debate.
The State Board of Education has had several
public hearings on teaching evolution and it
seems as though much of the opposition comes
from the Panhandle.
One group that is urging the State Board of
Education to pass the new standards is the
Florida Citizens for Science. Their website says
the Board needs to vote yes because "evolution
... allows us to understand all biological
sciences ... and its principles are the
theoretical basis that underlies major advances
in all biological fields," and that "students
must understand the current state of the science
to be part of an informed citizenry."
Coley agrees that students need to be taught
what their peers around the world are learning
but doesn't understand why the State is
resistant to calling evolution a theory.
Several school boards across Florida, including
Jackson County's, have signed resolutions
stating they do not agree with the proposed
standards as they are currently written.
The Bay District School Board will consider a
similar resolution at their meeting Wednesday,
February 13 at 1 p.m. in the Nelson Building on
Balboa Avenue.
