70 Years After Scopes, Evolution Hot Topic Again

By Robert C. Johnston

More than 70 years after the famous "monkey trial" focused worldwide attention on Tennessee, the state is once again embroiled in a debate over whether students should be taught that humans evolved from apes.

State lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow teachers to be fired for presenting evolution as fact. Last week, the bill was sent back to the Senate education committee after it bogged down in proposed new amendments and arguments over its legality.

The full Senate is not expected to consider the measure again until late this month. It was unclear last week when the House, whose education committee has also passed the bill,...