Science News in Brief

Tenn. Evolution Bill Becomes Law

By McClatchy-Tribune — April 17, 2012 1 min read
  • Save to favorites
  • Print

A controversial bill protecting teachers’ classroom discussions of “weaknesses” in evolution and other scientific theories became Tennessee law last week without the signature of Gov. Bill Haslam.

Mr. Haslam, a Republican, said that while he doesn’t think the bill changes scientific standards or the state’s educational curriculum, he also believes the bill could create confusion.

The legislation passed the Republican-controlled House and Senate by majorities of more than two-thirds, with a number of Democrats backing it.

Tennessee-based scientists, as well as the American Association for the Advancement of Science and a 3,200-signature petition, urged Gov. Haslam to veto the measure.

It’s the first time he has refused to sign a bill.

In 1925, Tennessee drew national attention and ridicule when a new law that banned the teaching of evolution in public schools resulted in the arrest and trial of teacher John Scopes. It was dubbed the “Monkey Trial.” Mr. Scopes was convicted, but the conviction was overturned later on a technicality.

A version of this article appeared in the April 18, 2012 edition of Education Week as Tenn. Evolution Bill Becomes Law

Events

This content is provided by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Education Week's editorial staff.
Sponsor
Reading & Literacy Webinar
The Future of the Science of Reading
Join us for a discussion on the future of the Science of Reading and how to support every student’s path to literacy.
Content provided by HMH
Mathematics K-12 Essentials Forum Helping Students Succeed in Math
Student Well-Being Live Online Discussion A Seat at the Table: The Power of Emotion Regulation to Drive K-12 Academic Performance and Wellbeing
Wish you could handle emotions better? Learn practical strategies with researcher Marc Brackett and host Peter DeWitt.

EdWeek Top School Jobs

Teacher Jobs
Search over ten thousand teaching jobs nationwide — elementary, middle, high school and more.
View Jobs
Principal Jobs
Find hundreds of jobs for principals, assistant principals, and other school leadership roles.
View Jobs
Administrator Jobs
Over a thousand district-level jobs: superintendents, directors, more.
View Jobs
Support Staff Jobs
Search thousands of jobs, from paraprofessionals to counselors and more.
View Jobs

Read Next

Science From Our Research Center Students Say They Care More About STEM as They Get Older. Teachers Disagree
An EdWeek Research Center survey examined student motivation in STEM classes.
3 min read
Cropped from original illustration, silhouetted figures water a blooming STEM flower.
Danny Allison for Education Week
Science From Our Research Center Want to Motivate Students in STEM? The Way You Explain Things Matters
How teachers explain tricky math and science concepts can affect students' motivation in their STEM classes.
7 min read
Silhouetted figures water a blooming STEM flower.
Danny Allison for Education Week
Science From Our Research Center Students Don't Think Cellphones Distract Them From Learning STEM. Teachers Disagree
New surveys of teens and teachers show how far apart the two groups are on this issue.
4 min read
A teacher and student have opposite perspectives on cellphone use in school.
Danny Allison for Education Week
Science Q&A Teachers, Parents, or Peers: Who Motivates Students Most to Pursue STEM?
Encouragement from adults—like teachers, school counselors, and parents—is crucial for motivating students in STEM.
4 min read
A group of students follows their role models towards a bright STEM future.
Danny Allison for Education Week