April 21, 2003

Another "Controversial Issues" Bill

House Bill 1172 is scheduled to be considered by the Public Education Committee of the Texas House of Representatives on April 22. Although concerned mainly with the presentation of patriotism, the free enterprise system, and historical events, the proposed bill also contains this provision: "... the board and each school district shall ensure that ... each controversial issue addressed in the public school curriculum is presented in a balanced manner that reflects multiple viewpoints regarding the issue..."

Mention of "controversial issues" and "balance" are often part of the rhetoric of anti-evolutionists. In the case of this bill, the unlimited nature of its language could open the door for those who oppose evolution education to demand that science classes be "balanced" with "alternative views" such as creationism.