Kansas repeals anti-evolution guidelines

[Doug]

TOPEKA, Kansas (AP) -- Kansas has repealed public school science guidelines questioning the theory of evolution that brought the state international ridicule, but educators aren't sure how long it will be before the decision is overturned.

The State Board of Education approved new, evolution-friendly science standards with a 6-4 vote Tuesday, replacing ones that questioned the theory and had the support of "intelligent design" advocates.

The change occurred because a coalition of Democrats and moderate Republicans won control of the board from conservative Republicans in last year's election. While conservatives said after Tuesday's vote they weren't planning to reopen the debate even if elections go their way in 2008, state law will require another review of the standards by 2014.

Another shift in power is possible. The latest science standards are the fifth for the state in eight years.

"I think we're good for two years," said board member Janet Waugh, a Kansas City Democrat who supported the new standards. "Who knows what the election will hold in two years?"

The new standards reflect mainstream scientific views of evolution. The board deleted language suggesting that key evolutionary concepts -- like a common origin for all life on Earth and change in species creating new ones -- were controversial and being challenged by new research.

The board also rewrote the standards' definition of science, specifically limiting it to the search for natural explanations of what's observed in the universe.

Some scientists and science groups believed the board's latest action was significant because it turned back a subtle attack on evolution that encouraged schools to teach about an evolution "controversy," rather than mandating that creationism or intelligent design be taught.

Read the rest here.

[Barbara Fitzpatrick]

They'll be OK as long as they can keep the definition of science to naturally occuring and observable. Most Kansans really aren't nutcases - just the ones who turn out for school board elections. Give the average Kansan a reason to vote (like their schools being turned into laughing stocks for the nation), they will show up and overthrow the wingnuts.