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As a side note, yes Lalaith, creationism is taught in many US private schools (and some public, even), it was in mine, and barely raises an eyebrow. Funny how different things can be?
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Yes, but in the public schools it wasn't the *only* version of universe-origin (sorry for the clumsy term) that was taught. At least, it's not supposed to be.
About Kansas:
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Giving creation science equal footing with scientific theories of evolution is high on the agenda of many religious groups. In 1999, the school board of the state of Kansas, for example, decided to deemphasize evolution in the curriculum and testing in its high schools. The policy was overturned, however, when voters in 2000 removed the "creationists" from the State Board of Education.
- Greenberg, Edward S and Page, Benjamin I. "The Struggle For Democracy". Longman Pub., 2002
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My handy-dandy Political Science textbook. (Be afraid! Be very afraid!)
As for us (public school) kiddies here in the US, pay attention--if you see something going on your school that smells a little "foul" to you: the posting of the ten commandments on the wall (Stone v. Gram, 1980), reciting a "non-denominational" prayer before class over the intercom (Engel v. Vitale, 1962), or student-led prayers at school-sponsored events (Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe, 2000), you need to tell someone about it. Regardless of your views on Christianity or not, these Supreme Court rulings are the gov.-decreed interpretations of the Constitution, and the breaking of which is grounds for action. It has been deemed a threat to your individual rights.
I'm saying this because even though some schools "get away" with non-secular methods, it ISN'T supported by the US Constitution (the document, not the boat) and therefore isn't a good judge on US stance on censorship(or the lack thereof) in schools. People will get away with whatever they can, and as long as people LET their these actions fall underneath the exectutive and judicial radar, then the practice will remain. But the breaking of laws says nothing for the laws themselves.
I wish I could find some court-rulings on the teachings of private schools. Perhaps there aren't any, but there HAS to be some link between the private school being subject to gov. regulation on the grounds of gov. funding, because there was in intigration (Runyon v. McCrary, 1976).
I hope I helped a little bit. If not, you all could use a good nap. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]
-'Vana
EDIT: yes, I am a Christian, and a pretty strong "fundie" at that; but I am also a strong believer in the Bill of Rights. That 1st Amendment is what would protect me from sallaming to Allah five times a day if circumstances were different. [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img]
[ May 06, 2003: Message edited by: DaughterofVana ]