On April 29 the South Carolina Senate passed S153 and forwarded it to the House of Representatives, where it was referred to the Committee on Education and Public Works. This bill originally dealt with instructional materials for public schools. On April 9 Sen. Michael Fair proposed an amendment which would have required a disclaimer in all kindergarten through 12th grade science books stating "The cause or causes of life are not scientifically verifiable. Therefore, empirical science cannot provide data about the beginning of life." When another senator objected to further consideration of the bill, it was temporarily postponed.
On April 29 Sen. Fair withdrew his original amendment, but proposed another which was adopted by the Senate before passing the bill. This new provision would establish a 19-member "South Carolina Science Standards Committee", to be appointed by various state officials and organizations. The committee would "(1) study science standards regarding the teaching of the origin of species; (2) determine whether there is a consensus on the definition of science; (3) determine whether alternatives to evolution as the origin of species should be offered in schools."
According to an article in the May 1 Greenville News, Sen. Fair "said his intention is to show that Intelligent Design is a viable scientific alternative that should be taught in the public schools." At this writing the House committee has taken no action on this bill. The General Assembly is expected to adjourn in the first week of June.
May 8, 2003