Presidential candidate and Governor Rick Perry seems to think so. During a New Hampshire campaign stop yesterday, Perry responded to a child and mom asking his views on evolution:
It’s a theory that’s out there. It’s got some gaps in it. In Texas, we teach both creationism and evolution in our public schools. Because I figure you’re smart enough to figure out which one is right.
Of course, that's not really true, or wouldn't be legal if it is. The Supreme Court has ruled unconstitutional efforts to teach creationism in a public school science curriculum. It is an improper government advancement of religion, violating the separation of church and state. Recent sneaky attempts to re-package creationism as "intelligent design" within Biology classes have also been rejected by courts.
So, what's the Governor talking about? Or, does he know? I'll let the Houston Chronicle's Lisa Falkenberg take it from here:
I thought the guy was just ill-informed. So I called the Texas Education Agency for confirmation. And I got an even bigger surprise.
First, spokeswoman DeEtta Culbertson sent me a wordy statement: "Our science standards require students to analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations, so it is likely that other theories, such as creationism, would be discussed in class. Our schools can also offer an elective course on Biblical history and it is likely that creationism is discussed as part of that class too."
…
I called Culbertson to get a direct answer to my question: "Does the state of Texas teach creationism as scientific fact?"Culbertson wouldn't say yes or no: "It could be part of the discussion," she said. "If it comes up, then it's in the classroom."
There you have it, science teachers of Texas. On the subject of teaching creationism in class, the education department won't say it's wrong, and the governor thinks you're already doing it.
There's nothing to stop you now but the law.
TPM's Brian Beutler adds to the story here.
