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Evolution Debate in Wyoming (9/30/03)

   

In late September, according to reports from the Associated Press, the Park County School District #6 in Cody, Wyoming adopted a new Religion Policy. This far-reaching policy permits prayer in school, as long as it is not required by a school employee, prohibits the distribution of religious materials, religous clothing may be worn so long as it is not disruptive, displays may contain religious symbols and holiday programs must not be dominated by religious themes. The policy, as reported by the AP, "...also spells out religious curriculum. Religions can be taught in school, but one religion cannot be endorsed. Creationism can be taught in science classes but only among a variety of theories."

Elsewhere in Wyoming, the Washakie County School District #1 in Worland granted initial approval to a measure that would permit science teachers to teach alternatives to the theory of evolution. The policy reads: "It shall by the policy...when teaching Darwin's theory of evolution that it is only a theory and not a fact. Teachers shall be allowed in a neutral and objective manner to introduce all scientific theories of origin and the students may be allowed to discuss all aspects of controversy surrounding the lack of scientific evidence in support of the theory of evolution."

Board member Tom Ball, who opened the discussion on the proposed changes, said he thought the evolution recommendation should use the word "required," rather than "allowed."

According to an Associated Press article in the Casper Star Tribune, "more than 120 people attended the board meeting," which in addition to addressing evolution-education issues dealt with sexual education curriculum. Pastor Bud Surles addressed the board saying, "evolution is more a product of Hollywood movies than based on real science." Another pastor, Mike Brush, quoted scholars he said "understand the misconception of evolution" and are more inclined to accept the "intelligent shaping of matter."

The board must approve the evolution-education measure two more times before it is officially approved, so there is still a short period of time for concerned residents in the Worland school board's jurisdiction to become engaged in the process.

Contact information for Wyoming's school districts can be found at http://www.wsba-wy.org/distinfo.html. (9/30/03)

No Previous Action(s) listed at this time.

Sources: Associated Press, National Center for Science Education, Casper Star Tribune, Wyoming Tribune-Eagle.

Background section includes material from AGI's Update on State Challenges to the Teaching of Evolution for the 106th Congress.

Contributed by Emily Lehr, AGI Government Affairs Program.

Please send any comments or requests for information to AGI Government Affairs Program.

Last updated on September 30, 2003

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