The forces of anti-intellectualism in American life, as described by Richard Hofstadter, have been especially prominent in the battle against the teaching of evolution. Glenn Branch discusses the different aspects of anti-intellectualism that are at the root of objections to evolution and explains how creation science, which had a transparently…

As the de facto language of science, English proficiency often serves as a gatekeeper for aspiring medical students in Puerto Rico because they encounter English-language instruction, textbooks, and high-stakes standardized tests throughout their studies. Employing ethnographic research methods, this case study documents the language practices in…

Evolution, due to its importance in science, holds a prominent place in national science standards and many state standards. Scientists nearly universally agree that the theory of evolution best explains the unity and diversity of life. Accordingly, numerous science, science education, and religious organizations support the teaching of evolution…

South Carolina biology Indicator 5.6 calls for students to "Summarize ways that scientists use data from a variety of sources to investigate and critically analyze aspects of evolutionary theory" (South Carolina Department of Education, 2006). Levinson and Sutton (2001) offered a sociocultural approach to policy that considers cultural…

Recent anti-evolution legislation, in the form of Academic Freedom bills, has been introduced in many state legislatures over the last three years. The language in the proposed Academic Freedom bills may allow different interpretations of what can be taught in the science classrooms, and possibly spur parents to take advantage of their perceived…

In another twist in the decades-long battle over evolution's status in public school science classrooms, state legislators are arguing that teachers have a right to raise doubts about that essential scientific theory as a matter of free speech. Similarly worded bills that attempt to protect the right of educators and students to present critiques…

This study investigates how evolution versus intelligent design is handled in the public, private Christian, private Jewish, and Christian Home-school K-12 settings through a review of the current literature and by interviewing teachers in these educational venues. Fourteen public, private, and homeschool educators responded to an interview…

Examines court cases affecting academic freedom. Observes that the courts have not established a separate and independent right to academic freedom, although they have almost unanimously upheld the right of the student to learn and the teacher to teach that which is controversial utilizing the First Amendment protections of freedom of expression…

Argues that there is a place in the classroom for both the scientific facts of evolution and the mystery and beauty of creation metaphors. (MM)

In this article, the author discusses the continuing controversy of teaching intelligent design along with evolution in science classes in the interest of academic freedom, an idea since endorsed by President Bush. More recently religious fundamentalists have tried a new approach to fight the teaching of evolution in public schools. With this new…

Describes the banning of an earth science book, THE FACE OF TIME, in Alberta, Canada, from elementary schools because the book describes the geologic history of western Canada in a theory of evolution manner. The author identifies this to caution earth scientists about recent decisions on instructional materials elsewhere. (BR)

The struggle for academic freedom in nineteenth century Ontario was closely bound to the acceptance of evolutionary theory. A history is given of the impact of Darwin's theories on the evolution of academic freedom in Canadian universities. (CJB)

This article is concerned with those freedoms inherent in successful science teaching and summarizes recent actions to insure the continuance of those freedoms. The controversy surrounding the teaching of evolution in schools is discussed in detail, with emphasis on educational positions and legal actions. (MA)

The inclusion of evolution as a topic in secondary school biology texts is examined in detail. The recent upsurge of mandates by the creationists is discussed with respect to current scientific knowledge and religious theology. Reasons for the exclusion of creationism in the biology curriculum are justified. (MA)