New York State legislator wants schools to teach intelligent design of life forms?

AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to requiring study in both theories of intelligent design and evolution

COURSES OF STUDY IN BOTH THEORIES OF INTELLIGENT DESIGN AND EVOLUTION.

1. All pupils in grades kindergarten through twelve in all public schools in the state shall receive instruction in both theories of intelligent design and evolution. Such instruction shall be provided by or under the direct supervision of regular classroom teachers, provided, however, that such instruction may be provided by any other agency, public or private.

2. The commissioner, shall provide technical assistance to assist in the development of curricula for such courses of study which shall be age appropriate and developed according to the needs and abilities of pupils at successive grade levels in order to provide information in both theories of intelligent design and evolution.

Much as I have no use for Darwinism, I don't really think this is a good idea.

I sense where the legislator is coming from, of course. He does NOT want New York State pupils drilled in the idea that a pond full of amoebas can become the French Academy (in George Bernard Shaw’s memorable image) due to time and chance alone.

Fair enough, but surely we can back away from Darwinism without requiring tots to learn about intelligent design theory when it is only getting off the ground.

Find out more about what intelligent design theory can and can’t do right now from my book By Design or by Chance?