www.worldnetdaily.com/bluesky_fosterj_news/20000725_xnfoj_evolution_.shtml

 Tuesday, July 25, 2000

 BRAVE NEW SCHOOLS
 Evolution critic censored
 Teacher punished for pointing out flaws in Darwin's theory

 by Julie Foster

 A high school science teacher in Minneapolis, Minn., filed an appeal in state
 court yesterday, seeking reinstatement as a biology teacher after he was banned
 from teaching the course due to his criticism of Charles Darwin's theory of
 evolution.

 The American Center for Law and Justice, an international public interest law
 firm, has represented Rod LeVake since his initial lawsuit in June 1999 against
 Faribault High School. Accused by the school's curriculum director of having a
 deep conflict between his religious beliefs and the teaching of evolution, LeVake
 sued the school, denying that such a conflict exists and demanding to be allowed
 to teach biology again.

 According to the ACLJ, the teacher repeatedly has assured school officials that he
 could and would teach the theory of evolution.

 The lawsuit contends that LeVake, who holds a masters degree in biology education,
 told his superiors he is not interested in teaching creationism in biology class,
 but simply wants his students to be aware that not all scientists accept evolution
 as an unquestionable fact. He wants to present "an honest look at some of the
 scientific weaknesses of Darwin's theory of evolution,'' said the ACLJ in a
 statement.

 The suit also accuses the Independent School District 656 of violating LeVake's
 First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom, the free
 exercise of religion and freedom of conscience. LeVake demands to be reinstated as
 a biology teacher at Faribault High School, where he remains employed as a general
 science teacher.

 The case was scheduled for trial this summer. However, in June, Judge Bernard
 Borene of the Rice County District Court granted a motion for summary judgment by
 the school district and dismissed the suit, saying LeVake had no right of academic
 freedom and could be forbidden from presenting criticisms of evolution even
 "though they may be scientifically meritorious."

 "This is a case about academic freedom and a desire to present information about
 the origins of life,'' said Francis J. Manion, senior regional counsel of
 ACLJ-Midwest, who is representing the biology teacher.

 "Teachers must be able to tell students information they need to make up their
 minds about issues such as evolution. In this case, our client wants to be able to
 look closely at the theory of evolution and point out flaws concerning Darwin's
 evolutionary theory -- flaws that are often articulated by other evolutionists.
 Unfortunately, it appears the school district is determined to censor this teacher
 because they do not agree with his message,'' he said.

 If successful, the appeal filed yesterday would allow the case to come to trial.

 "The school system has succeeded in silencing LeVake -- for now," said Manion. "We
 believe the Minnesota Court of Appeals will recognize that LeVake, like all
 teachers, has a right to present facts to his students even if those facts are
 disturbing to those in power. We are confident that the lower court's decision
 will be reversed and that Rod LeVake will get his day in court."

 School district officials could not be reached late Monday for comment.

 Related stories:
 Teachers' union opposes evolution bill
 Biology professor forced out
 Unnatural selection

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