Conservatives lose first evolution vote

[Are_grits_groceries]

The drama over the potential inclusion of creationism or intelligent design in Texas biology curriculum is over for now as a coalition of six Democrats and two Republicans defeated an amendment that would have maintained discussion of evolution's "weaknesses."

The Texas vote on evolution was in the crosshairs of both state and national media this week because textbook publishers cater to Texas because of its high-volume purchases. If Texas chose to make significant changes to the science standards, other states would likely be forced to follow suit. The standards, once approved on final reading in March, will stand for 10 years.

Member Cynthia Dunbar (R-Richmond) made the motion for the controversial amendment, which was to re-incorporate the phrase "strengths and weaknesses" into the discussion of evolution in state biology curriculum. That's the way the standard has been for at least 10 years now -- with no real problems -- but liberal lobbying groups such as the Texas Freedom Network fought against the inclusion of the language, saying it had become a code phrase used by groups such as the Discovery Institute to open the door to a discussion of intelligent design or creationism in the classroom.

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/education/Conservatives_lose_evolution_vote

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[KingOfLostSouls]

1. I saw "conservatives lose"

and thats all I needed to see.

[Veritas_et_Aequitas]

2. Good.

Of course that won't stop the more conservative teachers (or districts) from teaching that evolution is claptrap, but it's a step.

[Rob H.]

3. Woo-hoo!

[NeedleCast]

4. Hooray Science!

[wryter2000]

5. Awesome!

And two R's did the right thing? That's major.

[Javaman]

6. Sometimes we Texans get a clue. :) LOL nt

[zbdent]

7. well, the junk scientists lost their BIGGEST CHEERLEADER ...