Evolution and education in Texas

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The Texas Board of Education is in the midst of a major fight this week over a new science curriculum that’s designed to challenge the principle of evolution. The Board will vote tomorrow on standards that will govern science teaching on evolution in Texas for the next ten years. Right now the Board is evenly split.

This is not a small fight and it is not just about beliefs: Texas is the 2nd largest textbook market and many publishers write to the state standards. On "The Takeaway," the Chair of the Texas State Board of Education, Don McLeroy — a "young earth creationist" — explains why he is leading the charge to question evolution in the state’s science curriculum.

McLeroy on the implications for science students in his state: "I think the implications are really good if we’re able to challenge this idea of evolution — evolution is the claim that all life is descended from common ancestors … by unguided natural forces. And to me, the whole issue is we gotta be honest with the kids — is that claim … really true? Does the evidence support it? And my contention is, the evidence doesn’t support it."

According to McLeroy, the theory of evolution put forth by Darwin is false: "150 years ago, when Darwin wrote his book, he said the greatest objection to his theory is the fossil record. Well in 150 years, it’s still the greatest problem; in fact, it is shown that the theory is false. If you look at fossil records, you do not see what Darwin predicted."

"The Takeaway" is a national morning news program, delivering the news and analysis you need to catch up, start your day, and prepare for what’s ahead. The show is a co-production of WNYC and PRI, in editorial collaboration with the BBC, The New York Times Radio, and WGBH.

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