Florida School Board Hears Final Evolution Arguments

By Lawrence D. Jones, Christian Post Reporter Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Different camps weighing in on the debate on whether Florida schools should teach evolution said at a public hearing that the other has no proof on how life originated.

Speakers that included local educators, parents and students made their final arguments Tuesday in favor of and against the teaching of evolutionary theory in science classes at Everglades High School in Miramar.

It was the last of three public hearings before the Florida School Board votes the issue on Feb. 19. Just last week, a meeting was held in Jacksonville.

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Among other revisions in the state science standards, the board is expected to decide whether to mandate the use of the word "evolution" in place of "biological changes over time," which is used now.

"We're in opposition to teaching evolution as a fact. Evolution continues to be a theory," said Oscar Howard Jr., superintendent of Taylor County school district, according to the Associated Press.

Howard's district is officially opposed to teaching evolution as a fact after a resolution on the topic was passed by the Taylor County School Board.

If the state approves the new standard regarding evolution, Howard indicated that there will be backlash. He said he has heard from hundreds of parents who promise to pull their children out of the school system and put them in private schools.

While he has nothing personal against supporters of evolution, the superintendent contended that "they can't prove a darn thing they're saying."

Laura Lopez, a parent who has three children in the Palm Beach County school system, took a more direct swipe at evolution, calling it "a lie."

"Satan is telling people these lies and people are believing them," she told the crowd of about 75, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Representing supporters of the new changes, Shawn Greene, a senior at South Broward High School, argued that it was creationism – a biblical view that God created the universe – that lacked evidence.

"Evolution, although it has been said to be a theory, it is basically been proven. Creationism is a religious concept, an abstract one at that."

Those favoring the revised standards believe they would help students perform better in science classes.

State Rep. Shelley Vana (D-Lantana), who has taught Advanced Placement Biology, said, "You can't even teach that and have your kids pass the test if you don't teach evolution," according to the Sun-Sentinel.

But Richard Wilbar, an English teacher at North Miami Senior High School, said the wording doesn't need to change as long as all the facts are taught.

"Keep the language as it is," he stated. "Evolution, you know and I know, is a loaded word, and we don't need it." Children should be taught biological facts but not theories about "an organizing force for life."

Members of the State Board of Education have yet to fully disclose their positions although at least one said he will vote for the standards and one has expressed dissent.

In addition to comments made at the public hearings, the Board is also expected to consider the views reflected in over 10,000 online comments to its website.