Vermont Citizen ScientistNew WV law specifically allows teachers to “discuss” different “theories” of origin of universe and life. https://apnews.com/article/west-virginia-intelligent-design-religion-teaching-e01560041051a061c65a83f4129e0993 Author of the bill Amy Grady—referred to as a “teacher”—apparently does not know that evolution is not a theory of the origin of life nor of the universe. Grady, said: “If a student asks you questions about a theory that they’ve read about or they’ve heard about—maybe it’s not a popular theory, but a theory—you can discuss it[.]” Huh? #scienceeducation
West Virginia governor signs vague law allowing teachers to answer questions about origin of life
West Virginia Republican Gov. Jim Justice has signed a law that supporters say promotes the free exchange of ideas in science classrooms. Opponents say it's constitutionally vague and could allow for the incursion of religion into public schools. The legislation allows public school teachers to answer student questions “about scientific theories of how the universe and/or life came to exist.” It was proposed after Senate Education Chair Amy Grady, a public school teacher, said fellow educators have told her they don’t feel comfortable answering questions about theories outside evolution. What is unclear is what kinds of teaching would be protected by the bill, which does not define what a “scientific theory” is.
