Perry & Creationism

[Dr. Shane]

Perry Questioned on Evolution and Creationism in New Hampshire

Quote:

"How old do I think the Earth is?" Perry said repeating the boy's question. "I have no idea - it's pretty old. It goes back a long way - I'm not sure anyone knows really completely know how old it is."

But Perry continued, saying the boy's mother was really trying to get a response about creationism and evolution. While Texas public schools don't officially teach creationism, some claim Perry has pushed a weakened evolution curriculum to open the door for creationism in schools.

"I know your mom is asking about evolution," he said. "It's a theory that's out there and it's got some gaps in it. In Texas, we teach creationism and evolution because I feel you're smart enough to figure out which one is right."

...The Texas Education Agency, the state office that oversees curriculum in Texas public schools, says the truth might fall somewhere in between Perry's claim and TFN's position.

"Our science standards require students to analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations, so it is likely that other theories, such as creationism, would be discussed in class," an email from the agency read. "Our schools can also offer an elective course on Biblical history and it is likely that creationism is discussed as part of that class, too."