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| | {{main|Kitzmiller vs. Dover Area School District}} | | {{main|Kitzmiller vs. Dover Area School District}} |
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| − | In 2004, the Dover County School Board in Pennsylvania, U.S.A., approved a curriculum which included that teachers should read to their class the following statement: | + | In 2004, the Dover County School Board in Pennsylvania, U.S.A., approved a curriculum which included that teachers should read to their class a statement pointing out that evolution is an explanation of observations, not a fact, that Intelligent Design is an alternative explanation, that the book ''Of Pandas and People'' is available if students want to know more about Intelligent Design, and that the students are to keep an open mind. |
| − | {{QuoteBox|<p>The Pennsylvania Academic Standards require students to learn about Darwin's Theory of Evolution and eventually to take a standardized test of which evolution is a part.</p>
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| − | <p>Because Darwin's Theory is a theory, it continues to be tested as new evidence is discovered. The Theory is not a fact. Gaps in the Theory exist for which there is no evidence. A theory is defined as a well-tested explanation that unifies a broad range of observations.</p>
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| − | <p>Intelligent Design is an explanation of the origin of life that differs from Darwin's view. The reference book, Of Pandas and People, is available for students who might be interested in gaining an understanding of what Intelligent Design actually involves.</p>
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| − | <p>With respect to any theory, students are encouraged to keep an open mind. The school leaves the discussion of the Origins of Life to individual students and their families. As a Standards-driven district, class instruction focuses upon preparing students to achieve proficiency on Standards-based assessments.</p><ref>[http://www.pamd.uscourts.gov/kitzmiller/kitzmiller_342.pdf Memorandum Opinion] 20th December, 2005.</ref>}}
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| | But even this was too much for the committed evolutionists, and a court challenge, backed by the [[American Civil Liberties Union]], saw the requirement removed, on the grounds that the proponents of the requirement had religious motives. | | But even this was too much for the committed evolutionists, and a court challenge, backed by the [[American Civil Liberties Union]], saw the requirement removed, on the grounds that the proponents of the requirement had religious motives. |