Teaching Evolution Up for Debate Again in Texas

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- The debate over teaching evolution in public schools is resurfacing at the Texas State Board of Education.

The board is meeting to consider supplemental science materials for the upcoming school year and beyond. The Republican-dominated board drew national attention in 2009 when it adopted science standards encouraging schools to scrutinize "all sides" of scientific theory.

A spokesman for the Texas Freedom Network, which sides with mainstream science teachers on evolution, says the group is comfortable with materials that have been recommended by the Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott.

The board is under the new leadership of Chairwoman Barbara Cargill, a former biology teacher who disputes the theory of evolution. She is considered one of the panel's more conservative members.

Cargill was appointed earlier this month by Republican Gov. Rick Perry.

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