Kansas Repeals Science Guidlines

TOPEKA, Kansas (AP) -- Kansas has repealed public school science guidelines questioning the theory of evolution that brought the state international ridicule.

The guidelines were changed a few years ago to include language that questioned the validity of Evolution and helped support teaching Intelligent Design. This put the state at the center of a debate that is being fought across the country; whether or not Intelligent Design should be taught in public schools.

While I have no doubt that groups like the ACLU were involved in this decision, I can't help but wonder if the main reason the guidelines were changed is because they didn't want to be made fun of. Why else would the AP article open with the above line, mentioning the fact that they were mocked by people around the world.

My opinion has long been that I have no problem with teaching Evolution--as a theory. Like I said back in September 2005, I have no problem with Evolution or Intelligent Design being taught in schools as long as they are taught as what they are, theories. The problem is the fact that, because of the efforts of groups like the ACLU, most schools ignore Intelligent Design, fearful that they will offend someone, be sued by someone, or be mocked by others.

Evolution is not science. For it to be science it must be re creatable under controlled conditions or at least be observed, neither of which has happened. The same is true for Intelligent Design.

So what is wrong with teaching both theories and letting the students decide which they want to believe, even if it means questioning Evolution. Nothing. But as long as there are people who refuse to accept Evolution as simply a theory, and that there are other possible options, this debate will continue.