Florida teachers who want the freedom to talk about criticisms of evolution and Darwinism would have protection under a measure that passed a key Senate committee Tuesday.
The Evolution Academic Freedom Act, which was approved 7-3 by the Senate Judiciary Committee, now moves to the full Senate.
Earlier this year, Florida’s Board of Education approved new science standards that require schools to teach evolution as a “scientific theory.”
The bill’s sponsor, Republican Sen. Ronda Storms, told The Ledger that teachers are afraid to discuss alternative theories for fear of punishment or dismissal. She said her bill will promote debate of all theories, including evolution.
"The bill is needed because the new science standards present the theory of evolution in a dogmatic way," she said. "Both teachers and students feel muzzled from expressing their views."
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Actor/filmmaker Ben Stein takes on evolution in his new documentary, Expelled. CitizenLink interviewed him recently.
