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Senate Approves Evolution Bill

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By NICOLA M. WHITE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 24, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - Science teachers afraid of getting fired or stuck on bathroom duty for raising questions about evolution would have new protections under a bill that narrowly cleared the Senate on Wednesday.

The bill, dubbed the Academic Freedom Act, allows teachers to teach a "full range" of scientific views regarding Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, allowing teachers and students to say they question a concept that most scientists see as the underlying foundation for all biology.

To sponsor Sen. Ronda Storms, R-Valrico, the bill would allow for freedom of speech and critical thinking: There are increasing numbers of scientists who don't buy Darwin's theory of natural selection, she has said.

Critics of Storms' bill, however, say that most of those skeptics have religious reasons for questioning evolution and those religious beliefs do not belong in science classrooms.

"I know that the bill doesn't even mention creationism but that's what it's about," said Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa.

A debate about evolution has been brewing in the Capitol since before the start of the legislative session, when the state Board of Education adopted new science standards mandating teaching evolution.

Activists persuaded the board to qualify evolution as a "theory," but the board did not write in any special provision for teaching alternative beliefs.

Although Storms' bill aims to protect teachers who disagree with evolution, no teacher has ever complained to the state's Department of Education about feeling attacked about his or her science beliefs, according to a staff analysis of the bill.

That may be because teachers don't want to go to a state organization for help, though, said David Gibbs, general counsel for the Christian Law Association, which is based in Seminole.

Between 15 and 20 Florida science teachers last year called his organization, he said, for legal advice about what to do if students try to raise religious questions in the classroom. They say, "'I don't want to step on this minefield,'" Gibbs said, referring to teacher fears that they could be punished for talking about religion.

The bill squeaked out of the Senate 21-17.

Democrat Gary Siplin of Orlando voted in favor of the bill. Republicans Mike Bennett of Bradenton, Paula Dockery of Lakeland, Dennis Jones of Seminole and Jim King of Jacksonville voted against it. Sen. Jeffrey Atwater, R-Palm Beach Gardens, and Sen. Mandy Dawson, D-Fort Lauderdale, were absent.

Teachers shouldn't take advantage of their academic freedom just yet, though.

The version of the plan passed in the Senate Wednesday does not align with the bill being floated in the House. With the legislative session set to close May 2, lawmakers will have to work overtime to make the bills palatable to both chambers.

Rep. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla, is the sponsor in the House and last week he amended his bill in an effort to squelch any questions about religion. His amendment requires that instructional staff in public schools provide students with "a thorough presentation and critical analysis of the scientific theory of evolution."

That amendment didn't fly in the Senate, where critics said it would mandate alternative theories.

Reporter Nicola M. White can be reached at (850) 222-8382 or nwhite1@tampatrib.com.

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