As part of a series of interviews on the “CBS Evening News,” anchor Katie Couric asked Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin last night about whether evolution should be taught in schools.
Couric: Do you believe evolution should be taught as an accepted scientific principle or as one of several theories? Palin: Oh, I think it should be taught as an accepted principle. And, as you know, I say that also as the daughter of a school teacher, a science teacher, who has really instilled in me a respect for science. It should be taught in our schools. And I won't deny that I see the hand of God in this beautiful creation that is Earth. But that is not part of the state policy or a local curriculum in a school district. Science should be taught in science class.
Scientists across the country were likely heartened to hear Palin shift her position on the teaching of evolution in schools. Addressing the issue of teaching evolution and creationism during a televised debate during her 2006 campaign for governor of Alaska, she said: “Teach both. You know, don’t be afraid of information. Healthy debate is important, and I am a proponent of teaching both.”
If you want to watch the video below, the evolution exchange is around minute 7:30.