View source for Creation and evolution in public education

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{{Evolutionary biology}}

The status of [[Creationism|creation]] and [[evolution]] in [[public education]] has been the subject of substantial [[Creation–evolution controversy|debate]] and [[Social conflict|conflict]] in [[Law|legal]], [[Politics|political]], and [[Religion|religious]] circles.<ref name="Edis 2020">{{cite journal |last=Edis |first=Taner |date=August 2020 |title=Is There A Political Argument For Teaching Evolution? |url=https://archiv.ub.uni-marburg.de/ep/0004/article/view/8304/8108 |journal=[[Marburg Journal of Religion]] |publisher=[[University of Marburg]] |volume=22 |issue=2 |pages=1–26 |doi=10.17192/mjr.2020.22.8304 |issn=1612-2941 |access-date=20 July 2022}}</ref> Globally, there are a wide variety of views on the topic. Most western countries have legislation that mandates only [[evolutionary biology]] is to be taught in the appropriate scientific [[syllabus]]es.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/evolution-education-abroad/|title=Evolution Abroad: Creationism Evolves in Science Classrooms around the Globe|last=Harmon|first=Katherine|date=3 March 2011|website=Scientific American|access-date=12 June 2017}}</ref>

==Overview==
{{main|History of evolutionary thought|History of the creation–evolution controversy}}

While many [[Christian denominations]] do not raise theological objections to the modern evolutionary synthesis as an explanation for the present forms of life on planet Earth, various [[Social conservatism|socially conservative]], [[Traditionalist conservatism|traditionalist]], and [[Fundamentalism|fundamentalist]] religious sects and political groups within [[Christianity]] and [[Islam]] have objected vehemently to the study and teaching of biological [[evolution]].<ref name="Edis 2020"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.religioustolerance.org/ev_publi.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120530023244/http://www.religioustolerance.org/ev_publi.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-date=May 30, 2012 |title=Beliefs of the U.S. public about evolution and creation |last=Robinson |first=Bruce A. |date=November 1995 |website=ReligiousTolerance.org |publisher=[[Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance]] |location=Kingston, Ontario |access-date=2010-05-05}}</ref> Some adherents of these Christian and Islamic religious sects or political groups are passionately opposed to the [[Scientific consensus|consensus view]] of the [[scientific community]].<ref name="Edis 2020"/> [[Literal and figurative language|Literal interpretations]] of [[religious texts]] are the greatest cause of conflict with evolutionary and [[Cosmology|cosmological]] investigations and conclusions.<ref name="Edis 2020"/>

Internationally, biological evolution is taught in science courses with limited controversy, with the exception of a few areas of the [[United States]] and several [[Muslim-majority countries]], primarily [[Turkey]].<ref name="Edis 2020"/> In the United States, the [[Supreme Court of the United States|Supreme Court]] has ruled the teaching of [[creationism]] as [[science]] in [[State school#United States|public schools]] to be unconstitutional, irrespective of how it may be purveyed in [[Theology|theological]] or [[Catechism|religious instruction]]. In the United States, [[intelligent design]] (ID) has been represented as an alternative explanation to evolution in recent decades, but its "demonstrably religious, cultural, and legal missions" have been ruled unconstitutional by a [[United States district court|lower court]].<ref name="Saletan">{{cite journal |last=Saletan |first=William |author-link=William Saletan |date=December 21, 2005 |title=Is Creationism Destructible? |url=http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/human_nature/2005/12/is_creationism_destructible.html |journal=[[Slate (magazine)|Slate]] |access-date=2014-06-15}}</ref><ref name="Witt_2006">{{cite web |url=http://www.evolutionnews.org/2006/09/science_magazine_reviews_the_l002664.html |title=Science magazine reviews The Language of God by Francis Collins, Ignores the Book's Intelligent Design |last=Witt |first=Jonathan |date=September 29, 2006 |website=Evolution News & Views |publisher=[[Discovery Institute]] |location=Seattle, WA |access-date=2014-06-15}}</ref><ref name="CB">{{cite web |url=http://www.criminalbrief.com/?p=798| title=Evilution |last=Lundin |first=Leigh |date=May 4, 2008 |website=Criminal Brief |publisher=CriminalBrief.com |location=Los Angeles, CA |access-date=2010-03-05}}</ref><ref name="Annas_2006">{{cite journal |last=Annas |first=George J. |author-link=George Annas |date=May 25, 2006 |title=Intelligent Judging – Evolution in the Classroom and the Courtroom |journal=[[The New England Journal of Medicine]] |volume=354 |pages=2277–2281 |doi=10.1056/NEJMlim055660 |pmid=16723620 |issue=21|url=https://scholarship.law.bu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2287&context=faculty_scholarship |url-access=subscription }}</ref>

==By country==

===Australia===
Although creationist views are popular among [[religious education]] teachers and creationist teaching materials have been distributed by volunteers in some schools in [[Australia]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Minus |first=Jodie |date=June 25, 2010 |title=Creationism creeps into NSW schools |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/creationism-creeps-into-nsw-schools/story-e6frg6nf-1225884487850 |newspaper=[[The Australian]] |location=Sydney |publisher=[[News Corp Australia]] |access-date=2011-02-26}}</ref> many Australian [[scientist]]s take an aggressive stance supporting the right of teachers to teach the theory of evolution, unhindered by religious restrictions.

{{cquote|An essential element in the teaching of science is the encouragement of students and teachers to critically appraise the evidence for notions being taught as science. The Society states unequivocally that the dogmatic teaching of notions such as Creationism within a science curriculum stifles the development of critical thinking patterns in the developing mind and seriously compromises the best interests of objective public education. This could eventually hamper the advancement of science and technology as students take their places as leaders of future generations. |||[[Geological Society of Australia]]<ref name="GSA">{{cite web |url=http://www.gsa.org.au/pdfdocuments/management/POL_intel%20design_2008.pdf |title=Intelligent Design Policy: Science Education and Creationism |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=December 17, 2008 |website=Geological Society of Australia |publisher=[[Geological Society of Australia|Geological Society of Australia Incorporated]] |location=Sydney |access-date=2014-06-15}}</ref>}}

===Brazil===
In [[Brazil]], teaching of creationism in scientific education classes is forbidden by the [[Ministry of Education (Brazil)|Ministry of Education]] (MEC).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Takahashi |first1=Fábio |last2=Bedinelli |first2=Talita |date=December 13, 2008 |title=MEC diz que criacionismo não é tema para aula de ciências |trans-title=MEC says that creationism is not subject for science class |url=http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/educacao/2008/12/478968-mec-diz-que-criacionismo-nao-e-tema-para-aula-de-ciencias.shtml |newspaper=[[Folha de S.Paulo]] |language=pt |location=São Paulo |publisher=[[Grupo Folha]] |access-date=2014-06-15}}</ref> Religious education is not forbidden as such, but the federal constitution states that the union can neither impose, nor promote, nor finance any religion, because by law Brazil is a [[secular state]].<ref>{{cite book |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |year=2010 |title=Constitution of the Federative Republic of Brazil |url=http://english.tse.jus.br/arquivos/federal-constitution |format=PDF |series=Textos básicos |issue=n. 57 |translator=Istvan Vajda |translator2=Patricia de Queiroz Carvalho Zimbres |translator3=Vanira Tavares de Souza |edition=3rd |location=Brasília |publisher=Documentation and Information Center; Publishing Coordination; [[Chamber of Deputies (Brazil)|Chamber of Deputies]] |page=29 |isbn=978-85-736-5736-4 |oclc=705932082 |access-date=2014-06-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170715024154/http://english.tse.jus.br/arquivos/federal-constitution |archive-date=2017-07-15 }} See Title III, Chapter 1, Article 19.</ref> In 2004 however, teachers of religious education classes in schools of the education department of [[Rio de Janeiro (state)|Rio de Janeiro]] began to present creationism in their classes as scientific fact. The practice was directly initiated by politicians in power who were promoting their personal religious views, and their action moved Brazilian scientists to protest the abuse.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gazir |first=Augusto |date=May 13, 2004 |title=Escolas do Rio vão ensinar criacionismo |trans-title=Schools of Rio will teach creationism |url=http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/folha/ciencia/ult306u11748.shtml |newspaper=Folha de S.Paulo |language=pt |location=São Paulo |publisher=Grupo Folha |access-date=2014-06-15}}</ref><ref name="MacKenzie" /> Subsequently, in congress a "religious bench," or faction, has become increasingly influential.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.revistaovies.com/reportagens/2011/12/um-estado-laico-com-bancada-evangelica/ |title=Um estado laico com bancada evangélica |trans-title=A secular state with evangelical bench |last=Severo |first=Felipe |date=December 12, 2011 |website=revista o Viés |language=pt |type=Blog |access-date=2014-06-15}}</ref> For example, a Brazilian senator, [[Marcelo Crivella]], the former [[:pt:Ministério da Pesca e Aquacultura|Minister of Fishing and Aquaculture]], publicly declared his religiously founded antagonism to evolution.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.senado.gov.br/atividade/plenario/sessao/disc/getTexto.asp?s=004.3.53.O&disc=183/1/S |title=Senado Federal: Secretaria-Geral da Mesa: Secretaria de Taquigrafia e Redação de Debates Legislativos |date=February 10, 2009 |website=Senado Federal |publisher=[[Brazilian Senate|Federal Senate]] |location=Brasília |language=pt |access-date=2014-06-15}}
*{{cite AV media |last=Crivella |first=Marcelo |author-link=Marcelo Crivella |date=February 10, 2009 |title=Criacionista, Crivella filosofa sobre origem da ameba |trans-title=Creationist, Crivella philosophical about the origin of the amoeba |language=pt |url=http://mais.uol.com.br/view/12574020 |format=Adobe Flash Video |location=São Paulo |publisher=[[Universo Online|UOL]] |access-date=2014-06-15}}</ref> Such prominent influences have drawn the attention of the defenders of the secular state.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Coutinho |first=Simone Andréa Barcelos |date=August 23, 2011 |title=Escolha eleitoral deve considerar secularismo do Estado |trans-title=Electoral choice should consider secularism of the State |url=http://www.conjur.com.br/2011-ago-23/escolha-membros-poder-levar-conta-secularismo-estatal |journal=Consultor Jurídico |language=pt |access-date=2014-06-15}}</ref>

===China===
Evolutionary theory is part of the public education in the [[People's Republic of China]].<ref>{{Cite journal|s2cid=45242583|doi=10.12973/EURASIA.2013.942A|title=Analysis of a Typical Chinese High School Biology Textbook Using the AAAS Textbook Standards|year=2013|last1=Liang|first1=Ye|last2=Cobern|first2=William W.|journal=Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education|volume=9|issue=4|doi-access=free}}</ref> As private religious schools are rare, nearly all students receiving primary and secondary education in Mainland China receive education that includes evolutionary theory. However, one study has identified limitations with the textbooks used in Mainland China, including the absence of topics covered in other countries such as the USSR and the USA.<ref>{{Cite journal |doi = 10.1002/tea.3660310505|title = Evolution in secondary school biology textbooks of the PRC, the USA, and the latter stages of the USSR|journal = Journal of Research in Science Teaching|volume = 31|issue = 5|pages = 475–505|year = 2007|last1 = Swarts|first1 = Frederick A.|last2 = Roger Anderson|first2 = O.|last3 = Swetz|first3 = Frank J.|bibcode = 2007JRScT..31..475S}}</ref>

===Council of Europe===
{{Main|Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly Resolution 1580 (2007)}}

On October 4, 2007, the [[Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe]] (PACE) adopted its Resolution 1580 titled "The dangers of creationism in education". The resolution observed that "The war on the theory of evolution and on its proponents most often originates in forms of religious extremism closely linked to extreme right-wing political movements," and urged member states "firmly oppose the teaching of creationism as a scientific discipline on an equal footing with the theory of evolution and in general the presentation of creationist ideas in any discipline other than religion."<ref name="PACE_2007-10-04">{{cite web |url=http://assembly.coe.int/nw/xml/XRef/X2H-Xref-ViewHTML.asp?FileID=11751&lang=en |title=The dangers of creationism in education |date=October 4, 2007 |work=Committee on Culture, Science and Education |publisher=Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe |type=Resolution |id=Resolution 1580 |access-date=2014-06-16}}</ref>

===Denmark===
On April 25, 2007, Member of Parliament [[:da:Martin Henriksen|Martin Henriksen]] ([[Danish People's Party]]) asked [[Education Minister of Denmark|Education Minister]] [[Bertel Haarder]] ([[Venstre (Denmark)|Liberal Party of Denmark]]) for information about how many educational institutions had received ''[[The Atlas of Creation]]'' (2006) by [[Adnan Oktar|Harun Yahya]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ft.dk/Samling/20061/spoergsmaal/S4310/index.htm |title=§ 20-spørgsmål S 4310 Om bogen "Atlas of Creation" |last=Henriksen |first=Martin |author-link=:da:Martin Henriksen |date=April 25, 2007 |website=Folketinget |publisher=[[Folketing|The Danish Parliament]] |location=Copenhagen, Kingdom of Denmark |language=da |trans-title=§ 20-question S 4310 About the book 'Atlas of Creation' |access-date=2014-06-19}}
*{{cite news |last=Hall |first=Ole |date=April 24, 2007 |title=Muslimsk offensiv mod Darwin |trans-title=Muslim offensive against Darwin |url=http://jyllands-posten.dk/indland/ECE5028710/muslimsk-offensiv-mod-darwin/ |newspaper=[[Jyllands-Posten]] |language=da |location=Viby J |publisher=[[JP/Politikens Hus]] |access-date=2014-06-19}}</ref> The minister responded that the Ministry of Education was not in possession of information about the number of educational institutions that had received the book. Further, he stated that the choice of educational materials is decided by local school boards. Moreover, it is his view that the end goal of primary school biology instruction is to enable students to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to explain the basic elements of [[heredity]] and evolution and to address the issues related to the biological coursework.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ft.dk/samling/20061/spoergsmaal/s4310/svar/332659/372118.pdf |title=Undervisningsminister Bertel Haarders skriftlige svar til medlem af Folketinget Martin Henriksen (DF) på spørgsmål af 25. april 2007 nr. S 4310 |last=Haarders |first=Bertel |author-link=Bertel Haarder |date=May 9, 2007 |website=Folketinget |publisher=The Danish Parliament |location=Copenhagen, Kingdom of Denmark |language=da |trans-title=Education Minister Bertel Haarder written reply to a Member of Parliament Martin Henriksen (DF) questions of 25 April 2007 No. S 4310 |access-date=2014-06-19}}</ref>

In interview sessions during 2002, less than 10% of the interviewed Danes declared the theory of evolution as being definitely false.<ref name="Public_Acceptance">{{cite journal|last1=Miller|first1=Jon D.|last2=Scott|first2=Eugenie C.|author-link2=Eugenie Scott|last3=Okamoto|first3=Shinji|date=August 11, 2006|title=Public Acceptance of Evolution|journal=[[Science (journal)|Science]]|volume=313|issue=5788|pages=765–766|doi=10.1126/science.1126746|pmid=16902112|s2cid=152990938}}<!--|access-date=2014-06-19 --> [https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1126746 "Supporting Online Material for Public Acceptance of Evolution"] (PDF).</ref>

=== Hungary ===
Evolution was accepted by the Hungarian education system soon after Darwin wrote about it.<ref>[http://hps.elte.hu/~km/Mund-Hungary.pdf The Reception of Charles Darwin in Nineteenth-Century Hungarian Society]</ref>

=== India ===
From April 2023, content on evolution was removed from science textbooks. According to India's National Council for Education, Research and Training (NCERT), this decision was made to lighten students' workload following the Covid-19 pandemic. In the broader sociopolitical context, some [[Hindu nationalism|Hindu-nationalist]] politicians had recently been expressing skepticism about evolution, despite a longer history of compatibility between [[Hindu views on evolution|Hindu views and the theory of evolution]]. Many scientists and educators were critical of the deletion of evolution-related material from textbooks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Darwinism expunged from India's school textbooks |url=https://www.scidev.net/global/news/darwinism-expunged-from-indias-school-textbooks/ |access-date=2023-10-23 |website=SciDev.Net |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Iran===
[[Iran]]ian [[Science and technology in Iran|scientific development]], especially the health-related aspects of [[biology]], has been a goal of the Islamic government since the [[Iranian Revolution]] of 1979.<ref name="BurtonIRNKSA">{{cite journal |last=Burton |first=Elise K. |date=May–June 2010 |title=Teaching Evolution in Muslim States:Iran and Saudi Arabia Compared |url=http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/19234639/1613108208/name/Iran%20and%20Saudi%20Arabia%20Compared.pdf |journal=Reports of the National Center for Science Education |volume=30 |issue=3 |pages=25–29 |access-date=2014-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219014741/http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/19234639/1613108208/name/Iran%20and%20Saudi%20Arabia%20Compared.pdf |archive-date=2018-02-19 }}</ref> Since Iranian traditional practice of [[Shia Islam|Shi'a]] religion isn't preoccupied with [[Quran|Qur'anic]] literalism as in case of fundamentalist [[Wahhabi movement|Wahhabism]] but [[ijtihad]], many influential Iranian Shi'ite scholars, including several who were closely involved in the Iranian Revolution, are not opposed to evolutionary ideas in general, disagreeing that evolution necessarily conflicts with the [[Muslim]] mainstream.<ref name="BurtonIRNKSA" /> Evolution is incorporated in the science curriculum starting from the 5th grade. An emphasis is placed on empirical evidence, such as the study of fossils, rather than Islamic scripture, thus portraying [[geologist]]s and other types of scientists as the authoritative voices of scientific knowledge.<ref name="BurtonIRNKSA" />

===Israel===
In Israel, compulsory education is separate for secular Jews, ultra-Orthodox Jews and Arabs. In the ultra-Orthodox education system, theory of evolution is not being taught. It has been taught regularly in the secular education system. However, following the rise of religious right-wing parties, evolution has been gradually removed from the school curriculum.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/oct/03/darwin-theory-evolution-schools-earth The removal of Darwin and evolution from schools is a backwards step]</ref>

===Japan===
The theory of evolution is taught in Japan as part of the education policy. The teaching of evolution began already under the [[Japanese Empire]], and the first academic lecture on evolution was given at Tokyo Imperial University by American biology expert Edward Morse on September 12, 1877.<ref>Edward Morse, ''Japan Day by Day'' (New York, 1917), vol. 1, p. 284</ref>

===Netherlands===
In the [[Netherlands]] some factions teach creationism in their own schools, besides evolution.<ref>Stefaan Blancke en Abraham C. Flipse, [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312187402_The_Low_Countries The Low Countries], in: 'Creationism in Europe, red. Stefaan Blancke, Hans Henrik Hjermitslev and Peter C Kjærgaard (Medicin, science, and religion in historical context, Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2014), 65-84.'</ref> In May 2005, a discussion on intelligent design erupted when [[Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (Netherlands)|Minister of Education]] [[Maria van der Hoeven]] suggested that debate about intelligent design might encourage discourse between the country's various religious groups. She sought to "stimulate an academic debate" on the subject. Following strong objection from some scientists,<ref>{{cite journal |last=Enserink |first=Martin |date=June 3, 2005 |title=Is Holland Becoming the Kansas of Europe? |journal=Science |volume=308 |issue=5727 |page=1394 |doi=10.1126/science.308.5727.1394b |pmid=15933170|s2cid=153515231 }}</ref> she dropped plans of holding a conference on the matter.<ref name="MacKenzie" />
After the [[Dutch general election, 2007|2007 elections]], she was succeeded by [[Ronald Plasterk]], described as a "molecular geneticist, staunch atheist and opponent of intelligent design."<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Cabinet ministers announced (update 2) |url=http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/2007/02/cabinet_ministers_announced_up.php |work=DutchNews.nl |location=Amsterdam |publisher=Dutch News BV |date=February 13, 2007 |access-date=2008-05-31}}</ref>

===Norway===
In 1986, Norway's then-[[Ministry of Education and Research (Norway)|Minister of Church and Education Affairs]] [[Kjell Magne Bondevik]] proposed new education plans for the elementary and middle school levels which included skepticism of the theory of evolution and would hold that a final answer to the origin of mankind was unknown. The proposal was withdrawn after it had generated controversy.<ref>{{cite news |last=Meldalen |first=Sindre Granly |date=February 1, 2009 |title=Halvparten av britene tror ikke på dette |url=http://www.dagbladet.no/2009/02/01/nyheter/innnenriks/forskning/darwin/4641873/ |newspaper=[[Dagbladet]] |language=no |location=Copenhagen, Kingdom of Denmark |publisher=[[Aller Media]] |access-date=2009-09-09}}</ref>

===Pakistan===
Although it has been claimed that evolution is not taught in [[Pakistan]]i universities;<ref name="MacKenzie">{{cite journal |last=MacKenzie |first=Debora |date=July 9, 2005 |title=Creationism special: A battle for science's soul |url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn7647-creationism-special-a-battle-for-sciences-soul.html?full=true |journal=[[New Scientist]] |volume=187 |issue=2507 |pages=8–9 |access-date=2014-06-15 |quote=Eighty years after the Scopes trial drew the battle lines over evolution and creationism, Darwin's theory is under renewed attack, this time from 'intelligent design'. It's an idea that is spreading into US culture and beyond.}}</ref> the [[Higher Education Commission of Pakistan]], which is the federal body which sets standards of course content, has knowledge and understanding of evolution as being compulsory for several courses such as [[microbiology]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hec.gov.pk/InsideHEC/Divisions/AECA/CurriculumRevision/Documents/Micro%20Biology%202008.pdf |title=Curriculum of Microbiology BS (4-Year) |last=Ali |first=Zulfiqar |others=Preface by Riaz-ul-Haq Tariq |year=2008 |website=Higher Education Commission, Pakistan |publisher=[[Higher Education Commission of Pakistan]] |location=Islamabad |access-date=2014-06-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191207195253/https://www.hec.gov.pk/InsideHEC/Divisions/AECA/CurriculumRevision/Documents/Micro%2520Biology%25202008.pdf |archive-date=2019-12-07 }}</ref> [[bioinformatics]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hec.gov.pk/InsideHEC/Divisions/AECA/CurriculumRevision/Documents/Bioinformatics-2010.pdf |title=Curriculum of Bioinformatics BS MS |last=Ali |first=Zulfiqar |others=Preface by Muhammad Javed Khan |year=2011 |website=Higher Education Commission, Pakistan |publisher=Higher Education Commission of Pakistan |location=Islamabad |access-date=2014-06-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063110/http://www.hec.gov.pk/InsideHEC/Divisions/AECA/CurriculumRevision/Documents/Bioinformatics-2010.pdf |archive-date=2016-03-04 }}</ref> [[zoology]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hec.gov.pk/InsideHEC/Divisions/AECA/CurriculumRevision/Documents/Zoology%202008.pdf |title=Curriculum of Zoology BS (4-Year) |year=2008 |website=Higher Education Commission, Islamabad|access-date=2014-06-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821004436/http://www.hec.gov.pk/InsideHEC/Divisions/AECA/CurriculumRevision/Documents/Zoology%202008.pdf |archive-date=2014-08-21 }}</ref> [[botany]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hec.gov.pk/InsideHEC/Divisions/AECA/CurriculumRevision/Documents/Draft-Botany-2012-13.pdf |title=Curriculum of Botany BS (4-Year) & MS/MPhil |last=Ali |first=Zulfiqar |others=Preface by Fida Hussain |year=2013 |website=Higher Education Commission, Pakistan |publisher=Higher Education Commission of Pakistan |location=Islamabad |type=Draft |access-date=2014-06-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304123510/http://www.hec.gov.pk/InsideHEC/Divisions/AECA/CurriculumRevision/Documents/Draft-Botany-2012-13.pdf |archive-date=2016-03-04 }}</ref> as well as others. In 2006, the [[Pakistan Academy of Sciences]] became a signatory of the [[InterAcademy Panel]] Statement on "The teaching of evolution."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.interacademies.net/10878/13901.aspx |title=IAP Statement on the Teaching of Evolution |author=IAP Member Academies |date=June 21, 2006 |website=[[InterAcademy Panel|IAP]] |publisher=[[TWAS|The World Academy of Sciences]] |location=Trieste, Italy |access-date=2014-06-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717190031/http://www.interacademies.net/10878/13901.aspx |archive-date=July 17, 2011 }}</ref> Many of the contemporary titles on the [[creation–evolution controversy]], such as those by [[biologist]] [[Richard Dawkins]], are available for general sale.<ref>Titles such as ''[[The Blind Watchmaker]]'' (1986) by [[Richard Dawkins]] are also available for [http://mashalbooks.org/?page_id=392 general readership] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106033441/http://mashalbooks.org/?page_id=392 |date=2018-01-06 }}.</ref>

===Poland===
[[Poland]] saw a controversy over creationism in 2006 when Deputy Education Minister [[Mirosław Orzechowski]] denounced evolution as a lie taught in Polish schools. His superior, [[Ministry of National Education (Poland)|Minister of National Education]] [[Roman Giertych]], has stated that the theory of evolution would continue to be taught in Polish schools, "as long as most scientists in our country say that it is the right theory." Giertych's father, [[Member of the European Parliament]] [[Maciej Giertych]], has however opposed the teaching of evolution and has claimed that "in every culture there are indications that we remember [[dinosaur]]s. The Scots have [[Loch Ness Monster|Nessie]]; we Poles have the [[Wawel Dragon|Wawel dragon]]."<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=December 18, 2006 |title=And finally... |url=http://www.wbj.pl/?command=article&id=35336&type=wbj |newspaper=[[Warsaw Business Journal]] |location=Warsaw, Poland |publisher=Valkea Media |access-date=2014-06-19}}</ref>

===Romania===
In 1998, Ioan Moisin, a [[Christian Democratic National Peasants' Party|Christian Democratic]] senator and a Greek Catholic priest, called upon [[Romania]]'s [[Ministry of Education, Research, Youth and Sport (Romania)|Ministry of Education]] to establish a commission of Catholics who would revise biology textbooks and philosophical textbooks to not contradict [[Bible|Biblical]] creationism. Moisin disapproved of students learning from their religious teachers that [[God]] created [[Human|human beings]] and then learning the contrary from biology and philosophy teachers that humans and [[ape]]s descend from a [[Common descent|common ancestor]] as a product of evolution by Darwinian [[natural selection]]. Moisin's proposal to establish the commission also sought to form a Council of Public Morality that would feature representatives composed of teachers and clergy, to oversee public education, and to be subordinated only to the direct authority of the [[President of Romania]]. Romania's [[Parliament of Romania|Parliament]] and Ministry of Education never seriously considered the latter proposals.<ref name="Stan & Turcescu 2005">{{cite journal |last1=Stan |first1=Lavinia |author-link1=Lavinia Stan |last2=Turcescu |first2=Lucian |author-link2=Lucian Turcescu |date=September 2005 |title=Religious education in Romania |journal=Communist and Post-Communist Studies |volume=38 |issue=6 |pages=381–401 |doi=10.1016/j.postcomstud.2005.06.007 }}</ref> However, starting the year 2006 and ongoing{{When|date=December 2017}} Darwinian evolution was discontinued from newly printed school books throughout the country without being reintroduced.<ref name="hotnews.ro [in Romanian]">{{cite web |url=http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-esential-2456107-cum-batut-europenii-americanii-pentru-darwin-dumnezeu.htm |title=Cum s-au batut europenii si americanii pentru Darwin si Dumnezeu [How Europeans and the US fought for Darwin and god] |date=February 27, 2008 |access-date=2017-12-23}}</ref><ref name="contributors.ro [in Romanian]">{{cite web |url=http://www.contributors.ro/administratie/educatie/teoria-evolutiei-trebuie-sa-se-predea-din-nou-in-scolile-din-romania/ |title=Teoria evoluţiei trebuie să se predea din nou în şcolile din România [Evolution must be taught again in Romanian schools] |date=January 23, 2015 |access-date=2017-12-23}}></ref>

===Russia===
In December 2006, a schoolgirl in [[Saint Petersburg]], [[Russia]], and her father took the issue of the teaching of evolution in Russian schools to court. The [[Russian Ministry of Education]] supports the theory of evolution. Representatives of the [[Russian Orthodox Church]] backed the suit.<ref>{{cite news |last=Niedowski |first=Erika |date=January 3, 2007 |title= In Russia, a test of God vs. Darwin |url= https://www.baltimoresun.com/2007/01/03/in-russia-a-test-of-god-vs-darwin/ |newspaper=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |location=Chicago, IL |publisher =[[Tribune Company]] |access-date=2014-06-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Leonov | first=Maksim |date=March 1, 2006 |title=St. Petersburg schoolgirl sues authorities over Darwinism |url=http://en.ria.ru/russia/20060301/43853593.html |location=Moscow |agency= [[RIA Novosti]] |access-date=2014-06-20}}</ref> In February 2007, the first instance court, and in July, the second instance court, ruled in favour of the Ministry.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> | script-title=ru:Суд Санкт-Петербурга отклонил иск о преподавании теории Дарвина |url=http://ria.ru/society/20070704/68336516.html | location=Moscow |agency=RIA Novosti |language=ru |date=July 4, 2007 |access-date=2014-06-20}}</ref>

In August 2014 the Mayor of [[Kazan]], [[Ilsur Metshin|Il'sur Metshin]], expressed surprise at schools teaching the "theory of Darwin".<ref>{{cite news | script-title=ru:Мэр Казани отвергает теорию Дарвина | url=http://www.evening-kazan.ru/news/mer-kazani-otvergaet-teoriyu-darvina.html | newspaper =Вечерняя Казань | language =ru | date=2014-08-21 | access-date =2014-08-25 | quote  =Выступая сегодня на городской конференции педагогов, казанский градоначальник Ильсур Метшин высказал удивление по поводу того, что в школах до сих пор преподают теорию Дарвина о происхождении человека}}</ref>
He added that he intended to raise the question of the school curriculum at the federal level.<ref>{{cite news| script-title=ru:Мэр Казани предлагает запретить теорию Дарвина | trans-title =The Mayor of Kazan' plans to forbid Darwin's theory| url  =http://www.otr-online.ru/news/news_32967.html| newspaper =Общественное телевидение России| language =ru| location =Moscow| date=2014-08-23| access-date =2014-08-25| quote  =Он добавил, что планирует поднять вопрос о необходимости преподавания в школах теории Дарвина на федеральном уровне}}</ref>

===Saudi Arabia===
As a religious state, [[Saudi Arabia]] has denied the theory of evolution in their science education. Science textbooks approved by the [[Ministry of Education (Saudi Arabia)|Saudi Ministry of Education]] have associated Darwin with [[Western philosophy]] which they reject and perceive to be "problematic".<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal|last=Burton|first=Elise K.|date=2011|title=Evolution and Creationism in Middle Eastern Education: A New Perspective|journal=Evolution|language=en|volume=65|issue=1|pages=301–304|doi=10.1111/j.1558-5646.2010.01113.x|pmid=20812978|s2cid=24706684|issn=1558-5646|doi-access=free}}</ref> Saudi's denial of evolution originated from the lack of [[secularization]] in the nation, the continuing development of its [[Education in Saudi Arabia|education system]], and its homogenic religious population.<ref name=":1" /> [[King Abdullah University of Science and Technology]], the only co-ed university in the state, received criticism for its co-ed establishment and was called for further scrutiny in its science curriculum.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Alsharif|first=Asma|date=2009-10-01|title=Saudi cleric to king's university: don't teach evolution, mix sexes|url=http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2009/10/01/saudi-cleric-to-kings-university-dont-teach-evolution-mix-sexes/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091004122713/http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2009/10/01/saudi-cleric-to-kings-university-dont-teach-evolution-mix-sexes/|archive-date=2009-10-04|access-date=2020-08-25|website=Reuters Blogs}}</ref> [[Council of Senior Scholars (Saudi Arabia)|Sheikh Saad al-Shithri]], a religious scholar, stated that ''"''the recommendation is to set up sharia committees at this university to oversee these studies and look into what violates the sharia ([[Sharia|Islamic law]])"''.''<ref name=":2" /> He further states, "We are looking at some of the sciences that have included some irregular and alien ideologies, like evolution and such other ideologies"''.''<ref name=":2" />

According to a poll by [[Reuters|Reuters News]], Saudi Arabia was ranked the highest in the list of countries that favor creationist views.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Polling creationism and evolution around the world {{!}} National Center for Science Education|url=https://ncse.ngo/polling-creationism-and-evolution-around-world|access-date=2020-08-25|website=ncse.ngo|language=en}}</ref> As an Islamist state, Saudi education policies are centered around an Islamic worldview.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Burton|first=Elise K.|title=Teaching Evolution in Muslim States: Iran and Saudi Arabia Compared|url=http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/19234639/1613108208/name/Iran%20and%20Saudi%20Arabia%20Compared.pdf|journal=NCSE Reports|volume=30|pages=25–29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219014741/http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/19234639/1613108208/name/Iran%20and%20Saudi%20Arabia%20Compared.pdf|archive-date=2018-02-19}}</ref> This is referenced in various science textbooks, such a 6th grade textbook teaching [[Intelligent design|divine creation]] by citing a Quran verse that states "we have indeed created man with the best of moulds".<ref name=":0" /> A 10th grade textbook includes a glossary of biological terms with religious explanation, such as the term [[adaptation]] being defined as "Allah, glory to him, created for organisms those characteristics and structures that enable them to live in their different environments".<ref name=":0" />

A Saudi 12th-grade textbook mentions evolution by name only where it claims that Charles Darwin has "denied [[Allah]]'s creation of humanity".<ref name="BurtonIRNKSA" /> The rest of the textbook focuses on descriptions of the taxonomic ranks: it makes no further mention of evolution, only quoting Qur'an verses as relevant to certain groups of animals.<ref name="BurtonIRNKSA" />

===Serbia===
In [[Serbia]] the teaching of evolution was suspended for one week in 2004, under [[Cabinet of Serbia (2004–07)|Minister of Education and Sport]] [[Ljiljana Čolić]], only allowing schools to reintroduce evolution into the curriculum if they also taught creationism.<ref>{{cite news |last=de Quetteville |first=Harry |date=September 9, 2004 |title=Darwin is off the curriculum for Serbian schools |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1471367/Darwin-is-off-the-curriculum-for-Serbian-schools.html |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |location=London |access-date=2014-06-20}}</ref> "After a deluge of protest from scientists, teachers and opposition parties" says the [[BBC]] report, Čolić's deputy, Milan Brdar, made the statement, "I have come here to confirm [[Charles Darwin]] is still alive" and announced that the decision was reversed.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=September 9, 2004 |title=Serbia reverses Darwin suspension |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3642460.stm |work=[[BBC News]] |location=London |publisher=[[BBC]] |access-date=2014-06-20}}</ref> Čolić resigned after the government said that she had caused "problems that had started to reflect on the work of the entire government."<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=September 16, 2004 |title='Anti-Darwin' Serb minister quits |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3663196.stm |work=BBC News |location=London |publisher=BBC |access-date=2014-06-20}}</ref>

===South Korea===
The theory of evolution is part of the educational curriculum in public schools in South Korea. However, in 2012, South Korean Ministry of Education announced that many high-school textbooks would be revised to remove certain examples of evolution, such as of the horse and the dinosaur ''[[Archaeopteryx]]'', following a petition by a creationist group.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Soo Bin Park |date=June 7, 2012 |title=South Korea surrenders to creationist demands |journal=Nature |location=London |publisher=Nature Publishing Group |volume=486 |issue=7401 |page=14 |doi=10.1038/486014a |issn=0028-0836 |pmid=22678257|bibcode=2012Natur.486...14P |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ncse.com/news/2012/06/creationist-success-south-korea-007434 |title=Creationist success in South Korea? |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=June 5, 2012 |website=National Center for Science Education |location=Berkeley, CA |access-date=2012-07-03}}</ref><ref>[https://gizmodo.com/south-korea-will-remove-evolution-from-its-high-school-5915908 South Korea will remove evolution from its high school textbooks]</ref> The changes were limited to removal or revision of certain examples<ref name="nature2012"/> which were the subject of some debate;<ref name="seoulnews"/> also, the group plans to submit further petitions to remove evolution of humans and the adaptation of finch beaks, with the end goal of diminishing the role of Darwinian evolution in teaching.<ref name="nature2012" /> However, the ensuing controversy prompted the government to appoint a panel of scientists to look into the matter, and the government urged the publishers to keep the references to evolution following the recommendation of the panel.<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.nature.com/news/science-wins-over-creationism-in-south-korea-1.11377 |title=Science wins over creationism in South Korea |author=Soo Bin Park |date=September 6, 2012 |journal=Nature |publisher=Nature Publishing Group |location=London |doi=10.1038/nature.2012.11377 |s2cid=155726184 |access-date=2013-06-18|doi-access=free }}</ref>

===Turkey===
In [[Turkey]], a country where the majority of population is Muslim, evolution is often a controversial subject. Evolution was added to the school curriculum shortly after the [[Turkish War of Independence|Turkish Revolution]] of the 1920s and 30s.<ref name="Edis">{{cite journal |last=Edis |first=Taner |author-link=Taner Edis |date=January 2008 |title=Islamic Creationism: A Short History |url=http://www.hssonline.org/publications/Newsletter2008/NewsletterJanuary2008Creationism.html |journal=Newsletter |volume=37 |issue=1 |issn=0739-4934 |access-date=2008-02-24 |quote=...Islam has been the world religion that has proved most resistant to Darwinian evolution. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716061337/http://www.hssonline.org/publications/Newsletter2008/NewsletterJanuary2008Creationism.html |archive-date=2011-07-16 }}</ref> There was some resistance to this, such as that of [[Said Nursî]] and his followers, but opposition was not particularly powerful.<ref name="Edis" /> In fact, some prominent Turkish scholars during the first decades of the new-born Turkish republic, such as [[:tr:Ahmet Hamdi Akseki|Ahmet Hamdi Akseki]] (d. 1951), who once served as the [[Presidency of Religious Affairs|President of Religious Affairs of Turkey]], and İzmirli İsmail Hakkı (d. 1946) thought that the theory of evolution cannot be seen as contrary to Islam because it was already to be found in the classical works of Muslim theology.<ref name=VKaya>{{cite journal |last=Kaya |first=Veysel |date=April 2012 |title=Can the Quran Support Darwin? An Evolutionist Approach by Two Turkish Scholars after the Foundation of the Turkish Republic |journal=The Muslim World |volume=102 |issue=2 |pages=357–370 |doi=10.1111/j.1478-1913.2011.01362.x |issn=1478-1913 }}</ref> In the 1980s, conservatives came into power, and used the ideas of [[Creation science|scientific creationists]] in the [[United States|US]] as a method of discrediting evolution (notwithstanding material on the [[age of the Earth]], which [[Islamic views on evolution|Islamic creationism]] is less specific about).

One anti-evolutionist group in Turkey is the [[Istanbul]] based ''[[:tr:Bilim Araştırma Vakfı|Bilim Araştırma Vakfı]]'' (BAV), or "Science Research Foundation," which was founded by [[Adnan Oktar]] in 1990. Its activities include campaigns against the teaching of evolution. It has been described as one of the strongest anti-evolution organizations outside of [[North America]].<ref name=Koenig>{{cite journal |last=Koenig |first=Robert |date=May 18, 2001 |title=Creationism Takes Root Where Europe, Asia Meet |journal=Science |volume=292 |issue=5520 |pages=1286–1287 |doi=10.1126/science.292.5520.1286 |issn=0036-8075 |pmid=11360976 |s2cid=5404903 |quote=Harassed but hard-headed, some gutsy Turkish scientists are stepping up their efforts to promote the teaching of the theory of evolution...}}</ref> US based creationist organizations such as the [[Institute for Creation Research]] (ICR) have worked alongside them.<!-- Koenig --> Some scientists have protested that anti-evolution books published by this group (such as ''The Evolution Deceit'' (1999) by Harun Yahya) have become more influential than real biology textbooks.<!-- Koenig --> The teaching of evolution in high schools has been fought by Ali Gören, a member of parliament and professor of medicine, who believes such education has negative effects.<!-- Koenig -->

The situation is very fragile, and the status of evolution in education varies from one government to the next. For example, in 1985 the [[Ministry of National Education (Turkey)|Minister of National Education, Youth and Sports]] [[:tr:Vehbi Dinçerler|Vehbi Dinçerler]] had scientific creationism added to high school texts, and also had the discredited [[Lamarckism]] presented alongside [[Darwinism]].<!-- Koenig --> Only in 1998 was this changed somewhat, with texts presenting a more balanced view, though still mentioning creationism and Lamarckism.<ref name=Koenig /> At present the moderate Islamist [[Justice and Development Party (Turkey)|Justice and Development Party]], which is sympathetic to creationist views,<ref name="Edis" /> holds power. It was elected in 2002 and again with a greater majority in 2007.

In general, material that conflicts with religious beliefs is highly controversial in Turkey. For example, in November 2007 a prosecutor launched a probe into whether Richard Dawkins' book ''[[The God Delusion]]'' (2006) is "an attack on religious values." If convicted, the Turkish publisher and translator, Erol Karaaslan, would have faced a prison sentence of inciting religious hatred and insulting religious values.<ref name="AP_2007-11-28">{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Turkey probes atheist's 'God' book |url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/11/28/dawkins.turkey.ap/index.html |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=November 28, 2007 |location=New York |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070813055357/http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/europe/11/28/dawkins.turkey.ap/index.html |archive-date=2007-08-13 |access-date=2014-06-20}}</ref> In April 2008, the defendant was acquitted by a court and a judge ruled against banning the book due to the fact that it limited freedom of thought.<ref name='NTVMSNBC 2008-04-02'>{{cite news | title='Tanrı Yanılgısı' kitabı beraat etti | date=2 April 2008 | publisher=AA | url=http://www.ntvmsnbc.com/news/441428.asp | access-date=2 April 2008 | language=tr | archive-date=5 April 2008 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080405153938/http://www.ntvmsnbc.com/news/441428.asp | url-status=live }}</ref>

Turkish academics who have defended evolutionary theory have received [[death threat]]s, for instance Turkish biologist Aykut Kence received an email telling him to enjoy his "final days."<ref name=Koenig /> Kence helped establish the Evolution Group, whose aim is to improve public understanding of evolution.<!-- Koenig --> However, opposition to creationism is not very powerful; Umit Sayin, a neurologist, describes academics and universities as "slow and sluggish" in their response.<!-- Koenig --> Kence maintains that "if knowledgeable people keep quiet, it only helps those who spread nonsense."<ref name=Koenig />

In June 2017, the education ministry announced the removal of evolution from the secondary school curriculum, scheduled to take effect in 2019; as of the date of the announcement the only other Muslim majority country where evolution is challenged in the education system was Saudi Arabia, where the concept is briefly named and heavily criticized in the curricula.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kingsley|first1=Patrick|title=Turkey Drops Evolution From Curriculum, Angering Secularists|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/23/world/europe/turkey-evolution-high-school-curriculum.html|work=The New York Times|date=23 June 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Frazier |first1=Kendrick |author-link1=Kendrick Frazier |title=CFI, Richard Dawkins, Teachers Slam as 'Unconscionable' Turkey's Decision to Ban Teaching Evolution |journal=[[Skeptical Inquirer]] |date=2017 |volume=41 |issue=5 |page=7}}</ref>
{{Citation needed|reason=the claim that other countries are excluded isn't mentioned in the New York Times article and the Skeptical Inquirer article isn't publicly accessible; a strong claim like this needs a better source|date=March 2024}}

===United Kingdom===

In each of the countries of the [[United Kingdom]], there is an agreed syllabus for religious education with the right of parents to withdraw their children from these lessons. The religious education syllabus does not involve teaching creationism, but rather teaching the central tenets of major world faiths.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/irf/2002/13989.htm |title=International Religious Freedom Report 2002: United Kingdom |website=[[Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor]] |publisher=[[United States Department of State]] |location=Washington, D.C. |access-date=2014-06-20}}</ref> At the same time, the teaching of evolution is compulsory in publicly funded schools. For instance, the [[National Curriculum (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)|National Curriculum]] for [[England]] requires that students at Key Stage 4 (14–16) be taught:<ref>{{cite hansard |title=Creationism |house=House of Commons |url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/vo060227/text/60227131.htm |date=February 27, 2006 |column_start=518W |column_end=519W}}</ref>
# that the fossil record is evidence for evolution
# how variation and selection may lead to evolution or extinction

Similar requirements exist in [[Scotland]], [[Wales]] and [[Northern Ireland]].

In 2003, the [[Emmanuel Schools Foundation]] (previously the Vardy Foundation after its founder, [[Peter Vardy (businessman)|Sir Peter Vardy]]) sponsored a number of "faith-based" academies where evolution and creationist ideas would be taught side-by-side in science classes. This caused a considerable amount of controversy.<ref>{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Matthew |date=May 30, 2006 |title=Parents rebel at 'Dickensian' school run by millionaire evangelist friend of Blair |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2006/may/30/politics.schools |newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=2016-07-18}}</ref>

The former [[Archbishop of Canterbury]], [[Rowan Williams]], has expressed his view that creationism should not be taught in schools.<ref>{{cite interview |last=William |first=Rowan |author-link=Rowan Williams |interviewer=[[Alan Rusbridger]] |title=Interview: Rowan Williams |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/mar/21/religion.uk |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |location=London |publisher=[[Guardian Media Group]] |date=March 21, 2006 | access-date=2014-06-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Fears over teaching creationism |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/4828238.stm |work=BBC News |location=London |publisher=BBC |date=March 21, 2006 |access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>

An organisation called [[Truth in Science]] has distributed teaching packs of creationist information to schools, and claims that fifty-nine schools are using the packs as "a useful classroom resource."<ref>{{cite news |last=Randerson |first=James |date=November 26, 2006 |title=Revealed: rise of creationism in UK schools |url=https://www.theguardian.com/science/2006/nov/27/controversiesinscience.religion |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=2014-06-20}}</ref> The government has stated that "Neither intelligent design nor creationism are recognised scientific theories and they are not included in the science curriculum. The Truth in Science information pack is therefore not an appropriate resource to support the science curriculum." It is arranging to communicate this message directly to schools.<ref>{{cite news |last=Randerson |first=James |date=December 6, 2006 |title=Ministers to ban creationist teaching aids in science lessons |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2006/dec/07/schools.religion |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=2014-06-20}}</ref>

The teaching of creationism and intelligent design in schools in the UK is being opposed by the [[British Centre for Science Education]] (BCSE).<ref name="EDOC11297">{{cite web |date=June 8, 2007 |title=The dangers of creationism in education |url=http://www.assembly.coe.int/ASP/Doc/XrefViewHTML.asp?FileID=11678&Language=EN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309011447/http://assembly.coe.int/ASP/Doc/XrefViewHTML.asp?FileID=11678&Language=EN |archive-date=March 9, 2013 |access-date=2014-06-16 |work=Committee on Culture, Science and Education |publisher=Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe |type=Report |id=Doc. 11297}}</ref><ref name="Nature">{{cite journal |last=Graebsch |first=Almut |author2=Schiermeier, Quirin |date=November 23, 2006 |title=Anti-evolutionists raise their profile in Europe |journal=[[Nature (journal)|Nature]] |volume=444 |pages=406–407 |doi=10.1038/444406a |pmid=17122815 |issue=7118|bibcode=2006Natur.444..406. |s2cid=4411996 |doi-access=free }}</ref>

Some [[Democratic Unionist Party]] DUP politicians have called for [[creationism]] to be taught in schools.<ref name="creationism">{{cite news |url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/education/tussle-of-biblical-proportions-over-creationism-in-ulster-classrooms-13479246.html |title=Tussle of Biblical proportions over creationism in Ulster classrooms |author=Lesley-Anne Henry |date=26 September 2007 |work=[[Belfast Telegraph]] |access-date=13 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015132711/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/education/tussle-of-biblical-proportions-over-creationism-in-ulster-classrooms-13479246.html |archive-date=15 October 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.irishnews.com/news/2016/09/21/news/mla-backs-conference-promoting-the-teaching-of-creationism-in-schools-702781|title=MLA backs event promoting teaching children creationism|date=21 September 2016|newspaper=[[The Irish News]]|access-date=13 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613130409/http://www.irishnews.com/news/2016/09/21/news/mla-backs-conference-promoting-the-teaching-of-creationism-in-schools-702781/|archive-date=13 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

===United States===
{{Main|Creation and evolution in public education in the United States}}
In the United States, creationists and proponents of evolution are engaged in a long-standing battle over the legal status of creation and evolution in the public school science classroom.<ref>{{cite news |last=Slevin |first=Peter |date=March 14, 2005 |title=Battle on Teaching Evolution Sharpens |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A32444-2005Mar13.html |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |location=Washington, D.C. |page=A01 |access-date=2014-06-20}}</ref>  The [[Edwards v. Aguillard]] ruling of the Supreme Court set a [[Lemon v. Kurtzman|''Lemon'' test]] that limits teaching of creationism in government run schools.  However, as of 2014 at least 13 US states allow pro-creationist content to be taught either in [[charter school]]s or private schools that are at least partially supported by government funding.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2014/01/creationism_in_public_schools_mapped_where_tax_money_supports_alternatives.html|title=Map: Publicly Funded Schools That Are Allowed to Teach Creationism.|last=Kirk|first=Chris|date=2014-01-26|work=Slate|access-date=2019-03-25|language=en-US|issn=1091-2339}}</ref>  The 2022 Supreme Court ruling of [[Carson v. Makin]] necessitating that a [[school voucher]] program must not exclude religious private schools may prevent any state with a voucher program from preventing voucher money being provided to schools that teach creationism.

==See also==
<!-- Please keep alphabetical -->
* [[Creation–evolution controversy]]
* [[Evolution and the Catholic Church]]
* [[Flying Spaghetti Monster]]
* [[Hindu views on evolution]]
* [[Intelligent design in politics]]
* [[Islamic views on evolution]]
* [[Jewish views on evolution]]
* [[Level of support for evolution]]
* "[[Nothing in Biology Makes Sense Except in the Light of Evolution]]"
* [[Religion and children]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
* {{cite journal |last=Simpson |first=George Gaylord |author-link=George Gaylord Simpson |year=1961 |title=One Hundred Years without Darwin are Enough |url=http://www.stephenjaygould.org/ctrl/simpson_evolution.html |journal=[[Columbia University#Publications|Teachers College Record]] |volume=60 |pages=617–626 |issn=0161-4681 |access-date=2014-06-24}}
* [https://answersingenesis.org/education/ Creation education materials and articles] at [[Answers in Genesis]]
* {{cite book |author=National Academy of Sciences |author-link=National Academy of Sciences |year=1998 |title=Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science |url=http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?isbn=0309063647 |location=Washington, D.C. |publisher=[[National Academies Press]] |isbn=978-0-309063-64-7 |lccn=98016100 |oclc=245727856 |access-date=2014-06-24|doi=10.17226/5787 }}
* {{cite journal |last=Edis |first=Taner |date=Summer 1994 |title=Islamic Creationism in Turkey |url=http://edis.sites.truman.edu/islamic-creationism-in-turkey/ |journal=Creation/Evolution |volume=34 |issue=1 |issn=0738-6001 |access-date=2014-06-24}}
* {{YouTube|i-GUYY4UZNc|Video (10:56) − ''"Raising Doubts About Evolution... in Science Class"''}} − ([[The New York Times]] / [[Retro Report]]; November 2017)

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Creation And Evolution In Public Education}}
[[Category:Biology education]]
[[Category:Creationism]]
[[Category:Evolution and religion]]
[[Category:Politics of science]]
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[[Category:Religion and education]]
[[Category:Textbook controversies]]