"WorldNetDaily"
Tuesday, 25 Jul 2000
Evolution critic censored.
Teacher punished for pointing out flaws in Darwin's theory.
By Julie Foster
2000 WorldNetDaily.com
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.
Julie Foster is a staff reporter for WorldNetDaily.
Oryginal: http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=3D17931