Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (JN 8:32)

U.S.

Thursday, Feb 09, 2012

Prominent Conservative Unseated in Texas Ed Board

0
By Nathan Black , Christian Post Reporter
March 3, 2010|10:25 pm

A Christian conservative lost his seat on the Texas State Board of Education in a closely-watched race.

Don McLeroy, who is considered an outspoken Christian, was defeated by Mount Pleasant Republican Thomas Ratliff, a moderate.

The March 2 Republican primary for several seats on the State Board of Education, which is the most influential in the country, came ahead of an upcoming board vote on a new social studies curriculum.

Amendments to the standards that determine what children will study in social studies class were debated early this year. At that time, McLeroy, who has served on the board since 1998, indicated support for adding emphasis on the role Christianity played in the founding of the United States.

Also, in a debate last year on evolution, McLeroy defended a requirement that science teachers address both "strengths and weaknesses" of scientific theories. The board rejected the requirement but adopted new language requiring science teachers to encourage students to "critique" and examine "all sides" of scientific theories.

McLeroy believes many aspects of Charles Darwin's theory are not supported by fossil records.

Like us on Facebook

The evolution debate among board members was thrust into the national media spotlight and soon after McLeroy was not reappointed as chairman because of concerns over his religious views.

Responding to criticisms that he was "too far right," McLeroy said, "We're not too far any which way. It's in the middle. We're in good, clear thinking to help with our schools," as reported by The Associated Press.

He also said he views the last three years not as distractions but as "incredible accomplishments that will help our children," according to The Dallas Morning News.

McLeroy is a dentist in Bryan-College Station and serves as a fourth-grade Sunday school teacher at Grace Bible Church.

The 15-member State Board of Education provides direction to the second largest school system in the nation and determines what millions of students read in textbooks nationwide.

0
Top Stories

Washington Gay Marriage Bill Passes; Governor Vows to Sign

Washington is poised to be the seventh U.S. state ...

Is Santorum's Rise Due to Gingrich's Collapse?

Presidential candidate Newt Gingrich was once ...

Former Obama Official Dumbfounded by Contraception Mandate

A former Obama official expressed his ...

Court Affirms CDC's Firing of Counselor Over Same-Sex Advice

A federal appeals court in Atlanta maintained an earlier ruling that the rights of a former counselor at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention were not violated when she was fired for refusing to advise an employee in a same-sex relationship.

'I Believe' Religious License Plates for Sale in S.C.

Motorists in South Carolina have been given the ...

Crystal Cathedral to See Name Change, New Design

Crystal Cathedral, the Garden Grove, Calif., ...