Letter: Public school is no place for creationism

Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2005 | 8:05 a.m.

I can't understand why creationists (or "intelligent design" advocates, as they now call themselves) are so intent on getting their religious beliefs taught in public school science classes. There is not a shred of scientific evidence to support creationism.

Belief in creationism is based on faith, which cannot be scientifically proven or disproven. Faith-based beliefs may be appropriately taught in religion or philosophy classes, but such beliefs can never be classified as scientific theories.

Simply because a handful of discredited scientists discount evolution, their rantings should not be presented as an equivalent alternative to a scientific theory that is the basis for most biological studies. Doing so undermines science education.

The only issue is whether we want our children to be taught science or religion in public school science classes.

Creationists have an absolute right to advocate their views in private religious schools, but not in public schools financed with my tax dollars. That's not my view alone. That was the view of the Founding Fathers when they added the First Amendment to our Constitution.

Mel Lipman

Las Vegas

Editor's note: The writer is president of the American Humanist Association.