This could very well be the test case that everyone involved in the evolution/creationism battle have been anticipating for a couple of years now, the one that determines whether the precedents set in McLean v. Arkansas and Edwards v. Aguillard concerning the teaching of "creation science" also hold true for the teaching of "intelligent design". The ID folks aren't happy about that, as they don't think the Dover school board's policy is very defensible (and they're right, it's riddled with contradictions and false claims). There is another potential case that may be coming down the line that has not gone public yet that would be even worse for them, however. If this case goes at all like McLean v. Arkansas, it could end up being quite the show trial, with a couple dozen prominent expert witnesses testifying on either side about the nature of science and the evidence for evolution.
Ed Brayton
Christopher C. Lund wrote:
Fresh off the presses...
*** MEDIA ADVISORY ***
Press Conference Announcing Legal Challenge to "Intelligent Design" Curriculum in PA School District
WHEN:
Tuesday, December 14, 1:00 p.m.
WHAT:
The American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, Americans United for Separation of Church and State and attorneys with Pepper Hamilton LLP will file a federal lawsuit on Tuesday on behalf of 11 parents who say that presenting "intelligent design" to students in public school violates the religious liberty of parents, students and faculty.
The lawsuit will be the first in the nation to challenge the instruction of "intelligent design," which is an assertion that an intelligent, supernatural actor has intervened in the history of life. The "intelligent design" debate gained national public attention after the Dover Area School District Board in Pennsylvania voted in October to require science teachers to present this religious view as an alternative to the scientific theory of evolution. Dover is believed to be the first school district to mandate such a policy.
WHERE:
Pennsylvania State Capitol, East Wing Rotunda Commonwealth Avenue, Harrisburg
WHO:
Parents, scientists, clergy members and attorneys who are challenging the Dover School District policy.
Attorneys and clients in the lawsuit will not be available for comment before the Tuesday press conference.
CONTACT:
Paul Silva, ACLU Nat'l, 212-549-2689 or 2666 Joe Conn, Americans United, 202-466-3234 or 202-365-8507
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