Closing Arguments Made in Georgia's 'Evolution Disclaimer' Trial
In a trial, reminiscent of the 1925 Scopes trial in Tennessee, lawyers give their closing remarks on text book-sticker disclaimers stating that 'evolution is a theory, not a fact.'
Five days of trial over the constitutionality of “evolution disclaimers” placed on biology textbooks, representatives of the Atlanta public school board and the Georgia State American Civil Liberties Union made their closing statements today.
The trial marks the culmination of two years of debate, which began in 2002, when several Cobb County parents complained that stickers claiming evolution as “a theory, not a fact” were placed on biology textbooks to promote the teaching of creationism in public schools. A 1987 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court prohibits public schools from teaching about creationism along with evolution.
The stickers were originally adopted by the school board after more than 2,000 parents signed a petition of complaint in 2002, charging that the texts teach evolution as a fact, and exclude discussion of alternate theories.
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Throughout the current trial, the school board has defended its decision to adopt the disclaimer, which states: "This textbook contains material on evolution. Evolution is a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things. This material should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully and critically considered."
"Science and religion are related and they're not mutually exclusive," said Linwood Gunn, a lawyer representing the school board. "This sticker was an effort to get past that conflict and to teach good science."
Michael Manley, an attorney for the parents against the disclaimer, argued that the school district’s intent was to promote religion, noting that, "of all the theories in all the world that are taught in Cobb County classrooms, only evolution is disclaimed."
"The Cobb County school board is doing more than accommodating religion. They are promoting religious dogma to all students," said Manley in his closing arguments today.
Gunn countered the charge, stating that the connection between evolution and religious beliefs make it different from other subjects within science. Acknowledging that the disclaimer may cause doubt in some people’s minds, Gunn said, "The fact that it promulgates doubt, if that's true, does not mean that it promotes religion."
Earlier this year, U.S. District Judge Clarence Cooper decided not to dismiss the case, based on the argument that although the sticker does not directly refer to the Bible, its message may advance or inhibit religion. Cooper promised to deliver his verdict as soon as possible following the week’s hearings.
