Politicians step up attacks on the teaching of scientific theories in US schools

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Ryan Summers, University of North Dakota

(THE CONVERSATION) Scientific theory has had a rough time in America’s public schools.

Almost 100 years ago, science teacher John Scopes was convicted of violating a Tennessee law that prohibited teaching the theory of evolution. Although his conviction was overturnedon a technicality in 1927, laws banning classes on Darwin’s theory stuck around for another 40 years. They were ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1968.

Over the past few decades, conservative or religious groups that object to including the theory of evolution in science classes have tried a different approach. Now, they argue, if the “scientific” theory of evolution is taught, other views, such as “intelligent design” – a stand-in for creationism – should also be taught.

Broadening efforts

The approach is not limited to evolution. Legislatures across the country are proposing or passing laws that...