Scientists win Texas evolution debate

AUSTIN -  Proponents of an amendment that would mandate teachers explain the “strengths and weaknesses” of the theory of evolution to Texas high school students suffered a defeat Thursday morning, when the measure failed during a preliminary vote.

The vote was 7-7, and the amendment needed a simple majority in order to pass. However, the board still has to make a final vote on Friday and depending on political pressure, the decision could change in the next twenty-four hours.

The preliminary vote, however, has garnered emotional reaction from both sides of the issue.

Proponents, who are largely conservative, say it lets teachers discuss all the things that are wrong with the theory of evolution, the "loopholes" and as-yet-unproven aspects of evolutionary thought.

But opponents say it's just a loophole that lets religion dictate what's taught in schools.

The Texas Freedom Network, an organization that has been fighting against teaching the “strengths and weaknesses” of evolution called the vote “a victory for sound science in the state of Texas,” on its blog just minutes after the vote.

The Free Market Foundation, a group in favor of teaching the “strengths and weaknesses” released the following statement:

“It's a shame that censorship is now the law in science classrooms. Some board members chose to ignore the overwhelming majority of ten thousand emails and countless Texas science professors and teachers that support the strengths and weaknesses language. A 20-year freedom standard has been struck down in our science classrooms and bucked the national trend, banning our teachers and students from having critical science discussions and handicapping them for the 21st century.”

Both sides of the issue have called this vote monumental because Texas curriculum dictates how textbooks that are distributed throughout the state and the country are written. Texas is the second biggest consumer of textbooks in the United States.

Pending Legislation

Though the board’s vote is significant, it is not the final word on this issue. Rep. Wayne Christian (R-Center) has sponsored a bill that would make the “strengths and weaknesses” language in classrooms and textbooks law.

“If it fails, I will push my legislation through,” Christian said before the vote.

Whether he can succeed is a different story, considering the House of Representatives is now made up of 76 Republicans (many of whom are moderate) and 74 Democrats.

Some of the House’s more conservative members have signed on to Christian’s bill, which could make for an interesting debate if it makes its way to the House floor.

History of Evolution Education in Texas

For twenty years, the “strengths and weaknesses” language concerning evolution has been included in Texas curriculum.

In January of 2009, the SBOE voted 8-7 to drop the language and replace it with the requirement that kids "analyze and evaluate scientific explanations using empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing."

However, the vote in January was a preliminary one and since that decision, the board has been hearing testimony from both sides.

On Friday, the board will make its final vote on the measure.