This article draws from primary and secondary historical sources such as public policy documents, speeches, and media reports to trace attempts made by the Kentucky legislature to ban controversial topics in public school curriculum--evolution in 1922 and critical race theory in 2022. Kingdon's multiple streams framework (MSF) serves as the model…

Both evolution and climate change have broad scientific consensus, and yet they are the most contested scientific concepts in the US K-12 education system. This study aimed to explore trends in proposed US state legislation employed from 2003 to 2023 by anti-evolution and anti-climate change education movements to constrain the teaching of these…

When it comes to creationism, it might seem as if the United States is trapped in a century-long culture-war rut. In a sense, the Scopes Trial of 1925 put science itself on trial, and it can seem as if every new dispute over teaching evolution is only a repetition of that famous trial. In truth, however, the power of creationism has ebbed…

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…

Presents two case studies that describe attempts by legislators in Arkansas and Michigan to restrict the teaching of evolution and the responses of science educators. Demonstrates that the same discredited arguments that have been used elsewhere continue to recur and that those interested in promoting quality science education can respond with…

Discusses the dilemma between evolution and creationism in biology teaching. Explains the position of the Louisiana House Education Committee and presents an example from the Louisiana State University (LSU). (Author/SOE)

This brief review of the Supreme Court case, Edwards v. Aquillard, which struck down a Louisiana statute that prohibited the teaching of evolutionary theory in the public schools unless "creation science" was also taught, considers the ruling's implications on school policies and practices. (CB)

This book, written by a member of the Louisiana State Legislature (who authored a bill during the 1981 legislative session mandating balanced treatment for creation-science wherever evolution-science is taught to public school children), takes a step toward answering the question: Should the scientific evidences for creation be given equal time…

Examines sociopolitical conditions that allowed pro-creationist and anti-evolutionist movements to thrive in Georgia and other southern States. Describes efforts by leading citizens to influence legislation toward propagation of the creationist philosophy, especially in education. Stresses the need for scientists and educators to oppose…

Identifies the groups contributing to the writing and thinking on scientific creationism and the five-step strategy used to influence local boards of education and state legislatures on the subject. (Author/MLF)

Reports the current situation in a number of states regarding the controversy of teaching evolution and creatonist theories in science classes. (JR)

The recent flap over the Kansas State Board of Education's decision to drop knowledge of evolution theory from its science standards has rekindled the perennial science/religion debate in education. This article examines mutual relationships of three knowledge structures (science, mainstream religion, and fringe beliefs) and the middle-ground's…

The forces seeking to subject the theory of evolution to greater criticism tasted both victory and defeat. Kansas officials approved an overhaul of their state science standards to do just that, while voters in a rural Pennsylvania district ousted advocates of "intelligent design" from the school board. Those two high-profile battles…

Details of the backgrounds of witnesses in the courtroom challenge to Arkansas' Act 590, which mandated inclusion of creationism in the school curricula, are given. Creationists look forward to the upcoming challenge of a Louisiana law. Public poll results favoring teaching of creationism in public schools are cited. (MSE)

This paper discusses the historical background of the creationist movement, presents Federal Judge Overton's analysis of why and how the Creationists got the equal time evolution/creation teaching law passed in Arkansas, and examines how scientists and educators are reacting to the controversy. Creationists were set back when Overton declared…