Bill Undermining Teaching of Evolution Introduced in Alabama

Bill Undermining Teaching of Evolution Introduced in Alabama

On January 18, 2018, a bill (HB 258) was introduced in the Alabama House of Representatives that would, if enacted, allow teachers to “present the theory of creation as presented in the Bible” in any class discussing evolution. Supporters of the bill argue it is necessary to ensure academic freedom and would “afford[] students a choice as to” whether they accept the theory of evolution or creation. However, opponents say that presenting the theory of creation alongside the theory of evolution will undermine science education, potentially causing students to believe that the two theories are equally valid from a scientific perspective, and/or to question the science of evolution.