Board of Education Requires Evolution for Accreditation
On June 7, 2002 the Nebraska Board of Education voted 5-2 to add the state's existing science standards, including coverage of evolution, to the official requirements for school accreditation. According to a report in the Omaha World-Herald, supporters of "intelligent design" had asked the Board to delay this step, hoping that the standards could be changed. The Board refused to do so. The state Education Commissioner supported the current standards, and also pointed out that local school districts can decide to teach "alternative theories" such as intelligent design also, if they wish. However, for public schools to be accredited, they will have to comply with the state's standards, including evolution.
