The Texas State Board of Education voted today to continue an eight year old policy allowing teachers to let students discuss 'alternatives' to the accepted Theory of Evolution in the classroom, News Radio 1200 WOAI reprts.
After months of study and debate, the SBOE voted Friday to 'ensure teachers may continue to have critical discussion and open debate on concepts regarding evolution, the origin of life, the fossil record, and cell complexity.'
Several gorups wanted the SBOE to close the door on debate, and have teachers 'identify' scientific theories on the origins of life.
Many creationists feel that gaps in the fossil record and unexplained sudden development of cell structures point to a divine hand in the process of evolution.
They say the Theory of Evolution should be 'studied and questioned' in class.
"Today’s vote was another strong confirmation that Texas teachers and students retain the ability to have critical discussion and open debate on the theory of evolution and the origin of life. The streamlined biology TEKS protect and promote academic freedom and critical thinking for our students. We are thankful that the board once again rejected attempts to push a one-sided, dogmatic view and instead listened to teachers, parents, and students who favored preserving the ability to critically analyze scientific evidence regarding Darwinian evolution," David Walls of the conserviative group Texas Values said following the vote.