High school biology books targeted by social conservatives
Religious conservatives on state textbook review panels have criticized several proposed high school biology textbooks for not including arguments against Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. The review panels include several creationists who are urging the State Board of Education to not adopt the books unless publishers include more disclaimers on key concepts of evolution. One reviewer even suggested that coverage of “creation science” be mandated for every biology textbook – a requirement that would run counter to a 1987 U.S. Supreme Court ruling banning the teaching of creationism in public school science classes.“I understand the National Academy of Science’s strong support of the theory of evolution,” said Texas A&M University nutritionist Karen Beathard, one of the biology textbook reviewers. “At the same time, this is a theory. As an educator, parent and grandparent, I feel very firmly that creation science based on biblical principles should be incorporated into every biology book that is up for adoption.” Other reviewers objected to the books’ acceptance of key evolutionary principles such as the fossil evidence for the evolution of humans and other life species. Of the 28 reviewers for biology books, nearly a third were nominated by former State Board of Education Chairwoman Gail Lowe, a social conservative and creationist. Lowe was defeated in her re-election bid last year.
Texas Freedom Network President Kathy Miller said coverage of evolution and climate change in biology books from seven publishers have come under fire from social conservatives. “Once again, culture