OK to teach evolution, but as theory, not fact

How did people come to exist on this planet? Based on various religious and personal beliefs, the answer may vary.

Tuesday, the Florida Board of Education tried to decide the best answer to give public school students about evolution. The Orlando Sentinel reported that some parents wanted their children to learn that scientific evolution is a theory, but others wanted it to be taught as fact.

For students growing up in a spiritual household, learning that science, instead of their creator, is responsible for their existence might be a hard pill to swallow. If scientific evolution were taught as a fact in classrooms, teachers would be indirectly telling students that religious beliefs behind the world’s creation are inaccurate.

Church and school are two separate learning institutions. They should be kept separate to ensure morals aren’t compromised.

The Sentinel reported the reasoning behind the Board’s vote was low FCAT science scores. Although this is a great reason for expanding content in the science curriculum, evolution is not the only topic being taught in science classrooms.

There is a possibility that there are flaws with other Science content and methods of teaching.

Nothing is wrong with teaching evolution. However, telling them this theory is factual leaves no room for the religious interpretation to which we are entitled.

Christine Thomasos for the Editorial Board.