Reply #66: Central Florida School Board says don't teach evolution alone.

[madfloridian]

This is almost unbelievable to me. To those who in the past have said I was overreacting to the environment in this area of Florida....apologies accepted.



Polk School Board Leans Toward Inclusion of Intelligent Design

LAKELAND | A majority of Polk County School Board members say they support teaching intelligent design in addition to evolution in public schools.

Board members Tim Harris, Margaret Lofton and Hazel Sellers said they oppose proposed science standards for Florida schools that lists evolution and biological diversity as one of the "big ideas" that students need to know for a well-grounded science education.

Board member Kay Fields said last week she wants intelligent design, which is promoted by some Christian groups, taught in science classes in addition to evolution.

"If it ever comes to the board for a vote, I will vote against the teaching of evolution as part of the science curriculum," Lofton said. "If (evolution) is taught, I would want to balance it with the fact that we may live in a universe created by a supreme being as well."

Board members Frank O'Reilly and Brenda Reddout said they were unwilling to endorse intelligent design over evolution. Board member Lori Cunningham said she hasn't made up her mind.

And the best remark of all from the County School Superintendent:

Polk school Superintendent Gail McKinzie said she thinks evolution is a theory and intelligent design a belief.

The district, McKinzie said, will be forced to accept the new standards if the state Board of Education adopts them unless board members "want to make a court case out of it."

This is simply pathetic.