In a huge win for science education and secularism, a US District Court blocked the efforts of a Dover, PA, school board to mandate Intelligent Design education in their science classrooms.

Judge John E. Jones III declared that the school board’s Intelligent Design policy violates the Establishment clause of the constitution. In the conclusion to his opinion, Judge Jones said, “In making this determination, we have addressed the seminal question of whether ID is science. We have concluded that it is not, and moreover that ID cannot uncouple itself from its creationist, and thus religious, antecedents.” Judge Jones went on to caution against those who would accuse him of judicial activism by pointing out that, “this case came to us as the result of the activism of an ill-informed faction on a school board.”

This closely-watched case will likely have a significant impact on future school boards who are considering an ID curriculum. Specifically in Iowa, recent discussions of ID the issue from members of the Muscatine School District Board of Education indicate that they may consider the issue in the near future. They will not likely be the last Iowa school board to do so.

What Can I Do?
This is as important an issue as we will likely see in some time and it is important that IS members voice their opinions. Here are a few simple things you can do:

Where Can I Get More Information?

If you are concerned that your school board is considering an ID curriculum let us know so that we may track ID in Iowa.