Tennessee Is Lab for National Clash Over Science Class

Cameron McWhirter:

Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam is likely in the coming days to sign into law a bill requiring that public schools allow science teachers to discuss purported weaknesses of theories such as evolution and global warming in their classrooms.

Supporters, including a socially conservative organization in the state and supporters of creationism, say the law allows teachers and students to critique scientific theories they believe have flaws. They point out the bill says the law "shall not be construed to promote any religious or non-religious doctrine."

No major cases of Tennessee science teachers being punished for questioning widely held theories have come to light, but the bill's proponents argue it will provide a safeguard for those who want to raise questions.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at April 6, 2012 1:38 AM
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