Federal Judge Rules "Intelligent Design" Is Not Science

SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell issued the following statement regarding a U.S. District Court ruling today that school board members in Dover, Pennsylvania violated the constitution when they ordered that biology curriculum must include teaching of "intelligent design" theory.

"In his ruling today, U.S. District Court Judge John Jones made an important point loud and clear: "intelligent design" theory is not science. This ruling is an appropriate rebuke to those who advocate inserting "intelligent design" theory into the teaching of natural sciences.

"In California, we are nationally recognized for the quality of our academic standards, including our science standards. Today's ruling provides additional assurance that attempts to inject non-scientifically based theory, like 'intelligent design' will not be successful here.

"There is an appropriate place in public education for discussion about divine creation, ultimate purposes, or ultimate causes — in history-social science or English-language arts courses. But because religious beliefs are based on faith, and are not subject to scientific test and refutation, these beliefs should not be taught in the realm of natural sciences.

"The goal of public education is for students to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be competitive in the global, information-based economy of the 21st Century. We also want students to become critical thinkers and to be able to discuss and reflect on profound philosophical questions. And, of course, public schools should not discourage any student's individual philosophical or religious beliefs. But, as the court clearly stated today, believing in a "divine being" does not preclude respecting accepted scientific theory, and it is an important distinction that must be respected in our schools."