Perdue: 'E' word belongs in curriculum (GA evolution controversy) | AJC

[Ediacara]

Perdue: 'E' word belongs in curriculum
He jumps into fray over evolution vs. 'changes over time'

By JIM THARPE
Journal-Constitution
Gov. Sonny Perdue said Saturday the word "evolution" should stay in the curriculum used for Georgia students, his first effort to quell a firestorm of controversy swirling around a volatile blend of religion and science.

"If you're going to teach evolution, you ought to call it evolution," the Republican governor said during an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "By that I mean, there ought to be a balance. Evolution, as I understand it, is an academic theory. I think it should be taught as an academic theory."

The governor sought to end a dispute surrounding last week's proposal by state School Superintendent Kathy Cox to replace the word "evolution" with "biological changes over time," a phrase that scientists describe as meaningless.

Perdue's comments, his first definitive statement on the issue, came just after he addressed the Georgia Christian Coalition's Families & Freedom Kickoff at Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Atlanta. The governor did not mention the controversy during his speech.

More at the Atlanta Journal Constitution

[BayCityProgressive]

1. I can't believe he actually sided with science

[Ediacara]

2. I, too, was rather shocked

[wysi]

3. Read it again...

... I don't think he's siding with science. Rather, if one uses the suggested language, one might be able to teach evolution with greater stealth (thus furthering that pagan idea!). Kids might be programmed by the xtian thought police to think 'bad' when they hear 'evolution', but might be more receptive to some vague reference to 'biological change over time'.

He also stresses the 'theory' bit, as if that actually reduces its credibility.

[LosAngelesDemocrat]

4. Universities should jump into the debate

Admission weights to the premier universities should be lowered and the scores given to school districts that don't teach evolution

[fjc]

5. He's read the tea leaves of public opinion...

and went thataway.