Not steam at all. I find it dumb. There is little else to say. I downloaded the 193 page PDF and I read the statement made enabling the teaching of ID. From what I read, I could see no rational objection from any educated person who comprehends the nature of science.
The comments of the judge I believe I read suggesting lying on the part of board members was a cue of one biased judge.
From the judges ruling.
There is no real harm, other than the advance of ignorance in culture. But not in science or religion.
I don't see the following as the establishment of any religion. And in fact it does not even suggest there is a God.
So I have no idea how this judge came up with the constructs that support his legal opinion.
On October 18, 2004, the Defendant Dover Area School Board of Directors
passed by a 6-3 vote the following resolution:
Students will be made aware of gaps/problems in
Darwin's theory and of other theories of evolution
including, but not limited to, intelligent design.
Note: Origins of Life is not taught.
On November 19, 2004, the Defendant Dover Area School District announced by press release that, commencing in January 2005, teachers would be required to read the following statement to students in the ninth grade biology class at Dover High
School:
The Pennsylvania Academic Standards require students
to learn about Darwin's Theory of Evolution and eventually to take a standardized test of which evolution is a part.
Because Darwin's Theory is a theory, it continues to be
tested as new evidence is discovered. The Theory is not
a fact. Gaps in the Theory exist for which there is no
evidence. A theory is defined as a well-tested
explanation that unifies a broad range of observations.
Intelligent Design is an explanation of the origin of life
that differs from Darwin's view. The reference book, Of
Pandas and People, is available for students who might
be interested in gaining an understanding of what
Intelligent Design actually involves.
With respect to any theory, students are encouraged to
keep an open mind. The school leaves the discussion of
the Origins of Life to individual students and their
families. As a Standards-driven district, class instruction
focuses upon preparing students to achieve proficiency
on Standards-based assessments. |
