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Can Texas remain neutral on origin theories?

DLH
December 6, 2007
Constitution, Creationism, Darwinism, Education, Evolution, Intelligent Design, Legal
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* Can or should the State of Texas remain neutral on origin theories?
* Can politicians enforce such a principle?
* Would remaining neutral violate the First Amendment?
Consider the following recent events that offer a remarkable contrast to the case of denying tenure to astronomer Gonzalez:
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State science curriculum director resigns

Move comes months before comprehensive curriculum review.Listen to this article or download audio file.Click-2-Listen

By Laura Heinauer
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF Thursday, November 29, 2007

“The state’s director of science curriculum has resigned after being accused of creating the appearance of bias against teaching intelligent design.
Chris Comer, who has been the Texas Education Agency’s director of science curriculum for more than nine years, offered her resignation this month.

Chris Comer is accused of misconduct, insubordination.

  • TEA director of science curriculum resignation letter
  • TEA memo regarding director of science curriculum
  • What do you think about the resignation?

    • In documents obtained Wednesday through the Texas Public Information Act, agency officials said they recommended firing Comer for repeated acts of misconduct insubordination. But Comer said she thinks political concerns about the teaching of creationism in schools were behind what she describes as a forced resignation.” See Full Article
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    Official Leaves Post as Texas Prepares to Debate Science Education Standards

    By RALPH BLUMENTHAL

    Published: December 3, 2007, New York Times

    HOUSTON, Dec. 2 — After 27 years as a science teacher and 9 years as the Texas Education Agency’s director of science, Christine Castillo Comer said she did not think she had to remain “neutral” about teaching the theory of evolution.

    “It’s not just a good idea; it’s the law,” said Ms. Comer, citing the state’s science curriculum.But now Ms. Comer, 56, of Austin, is out of a job, after forwarding an e-mail message on a talk about evolution and creationism — “a subject on which the agency must remain neutral,” according to a dismissal letter last month that accused her of various instances of “misconduct and insubordination” and of siding against creationism and the doctrine that life is the product of “intelligent design.” . . . See full article.