Cobb adopts evolution policy

Those opposed to the change vowed to continue their fight. Jeffrey Selman, an east Cobb parent who has sued the school district over disclaimers on evolution inserted into science books, said defiantly, "I'll see you in court."

More than 150 parents squeezed into the board meeting room in Marietta and others stood outside and listened. After the board's unanimous vote, parents who favored the new policy erupted in applause, some in a standing ovation.

The passionate debate about what students should be taught about evolution and whether alternative views belonged more properly in a religion or sociology class attracted national attention.

In a prepared statement read before the vote, board Chairman Curt Johnston said the intention of the board had been misconstrued.

"We seem to have been caught in the middle of a dispute between various parties who apparently want to use our curriculum to promote their own views, " he said. ". . . We expect teachers to continue to teach the theory of evolution. We do not expect teachers to teach creationism. . . . Religion has no place in science instruction. But science instruction need not offend those who hold religious beliefs of whatever type."

The board's decision satisfied Larry Taylor, an east Cobb father and construction manager who was a vocal advocate for the change. "They spelled out, in great detail, how this policy is fair to people of all religions and no religion. It takes away the argument that people have been trying to insert religion into the classes, " he said.

But Selman and other critics, including some Cobb County teachers and parents, say the policy is damaging.

Selman, father of a Cobb elementary school pupil, said he would confer with his attorney about broadening the scope of his lawsuit, filed last month in U.S. District Court.

The American Civil Liberties Union has taken on the case, which challenges the stickers placed in 13 science books as a "fundamentalist Christian expression" that violates separation of church and state.

The policy approved Thursday fails to identify which "disputed views" may be taught.

"Their intention is to pander to the population, and that's not their job, " Selman said of the board's action. "They've left a huge loophole in this thing. Who is going to determine what is brought into those science classes?"

Supporters of the policy argued it would allow teachers to air evidence for and against evolution, and contribute to their ability to come to their own conclusions about the origin of humans. Opponents contended the policy would jeopardize a good understanding of science by allowing faith-based arguments, disguised as science, into the classroom.

Dave Hudson, parent of a Walton High School student, said the policy leaves the door open to religious themes. "This policy is still not clear, " he said. "It appears to be intentionally unclear in an attempt to circumvent the laws of our country."

Chandler Smith, a Cobb resident, said the board had properly made a distinction between a scientific law and a theory. "Let's present Darwin's theory as a theory, and teach our kids to be critical thinkers, " Smith said.

Wes McCoy, a science teacher at North Cobb High, said the policy was unnecessary and he did not view the clarifying statement as much of an improvement. "Please, " he asked the board, "put this policy away before it casts doubt on the quality of our students."

After the vote, Johnston, the board chairman, said he had felt overwhelmed by the outpouring of advice, criticism and praise in the form of e-mails, letters and phone calls --- many from outside Cobb County. The clarifying statement was the result of listening to concerns, he said.