The Michigan State Board of Education unanimously approved teaching evolution:
“The intent of the board needs to be very clear,” said board member John Austin, an Ann Arbor Democrat. “Evolution is not under stress. It is not untested science.”
The vote should also prevent the teaching of creationism/intelligent design:
Gregory Forbes, a biology instructor at Grand Rapids Community College, said it appears the “doors have been shut” on those in Michigan who support the teaching of intelligent design as a viable scientific alternative to evolution.
Forbes, a supporter of evolution theory, told the state board there is a difference in scientific status between evolution and intelligent design.
“Science can’t answer all the questions,” he said. “Scientific theory has to be testable. To suggest intelligent design is a scientific theory is inappropriate because it is not testable. … It hasn’t earned its way into the science classroom.”
To follow up my last post on tonight’s debate, I should also note that the coverage of the vote included mention of the Governor’s race:
Intelligent design has also become an issue in the Michigan governor’s race.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos, a conservative Christian, said last month that he approves of intelligent design being taught along with evolution in science classes, though he said the decision should be left up to local school districts.
Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm, who is Roman Catholic, said Michigan schools need to teach evolution in science classes and not include intelligent design. She said school districts can explore intelligent design in current events or comparative religions classes.