Evolution Education Under Fire in Texas

Texas’ Board of Education votes this week on whether to teach a science curriculum that challenges evolution—and the result could affect schools across the US, the Wall Street Journal reports. Because Texas is such a huge market, textbook writers often design national material based on state standards. “This is the most specific assault I’ve seen against evolution and modern science,” said a science-education advocate.

The chairman of the state’s board of education, who believes God created the Earth some 10,000 years ago, says if the curriculum takes effect, he’ll make sure textbooks point out fossil and cell evidence he believes undermines the idea of evolution. Textbooks “have to say that there’s a problem with evolution—because there is,” he said. “We need to be honest with the kids.” (More Texas stories.)