The National Center for Science Education reports that another so-called 'academic freedom' bill has been filed - this time, in Iowa. According to the NCSE, no other anti-evolution legislation has been filed [ed: in Iowa]during the last ten years.
Here's how the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier reported it:
Evolutionary freedom
Teachers in public schools and postsecondary institutions who objectively present ideas on evolution, creationism, intelligent design or other information "relevant to the full range of scientific views" would be protected from discipline, denial of tenure, termination or other discrimination under HF 183 introduced by Rep. Rod Roberts, R-Carroll. The bill also requires students be evaluated based on their understanding of course materials and not penalized for subscribing to a particular position of view regarding chemical or biological evolution.
Teachers in public schools and postsecondary institutions who objectively present ideas on evolution, creationism, intelligent design or other information "relevant to the full range of scientific views" would be protected from discipline, denial of tenure, termination or other discrimination under HF 183 introduced by Rep. Rod Roberts, R-Carroll. The bill also requires students be evaluated based on their understanding of course materials and not penalized for subscribing to a particular position of view regarding chemical or biological evolution.
In other words, teachers could teach creationism as science and not lose their job due to incompetence or insubordination. Got it.
The NCSE also notes that
As of February 5, 2009, only two lobbyists were listed on the Iowa General Assembly's website as having declared their interest in the bill: the Iowa Christian Alliance favoring it, and the Iowa State Education Association - the state affiliate of the National Education Association, representing over 34,000 education employees in Iowa - opposing it.
posted by Cheryl Shepherd-Adams
