January 28, 2003

Internet "Poll" on Teaching Evolution

A Georgia newspaper, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has published the results of its December 2002 "Voice of Atlanta" internet survey regarding evolution education. The results cannot be considered either accurate or precise, since they are not based on a random sample of the population. In addition, the single question asked was somewhat ambiguous:

Do you agree or disagree: The theory of evolution should be taught in public schools to the exclusion of all other theories, such as creationism or "intelligent design."

Of the 1,147 people taking part, 41% agreed, 57% disagreed. Cobb County in suburban Atlanta has been the scene of disputes over the teaching of evolution for many years. In the spring of 2002 the county board of education adopted an evolution textbook disclaimer, which has become the subject of a current lawsuit.