State Sen. Chester Crandell (R-Heber) is a prime co-sponsor of a
bill to require science teachers to explore all sides of
scientific controversies, a measure some science educators say
could prompt teachers to teach creationism or distort the
presentation of controversial subjects like climate change.
National Center for Science Education Executive Director Eugenie
Scott has branded the bill a “backdoor” attempt to force science
teachers to teach the religiously-based theory of creationism in
science classes. SB1213 is apparently modeled on an approach
pursued so far in 40 states, although 38 of those bills died in
committee. Only Tennessee and Louisiana adopted roughly similar
measures. However, Crandell, who represents Rim Country, has
said that teachers need help in handling scientific
controversies. In published interviews, Crandell has said that
teachers may be afraid to answer students questions about
creationism for fear that another child’s parent or a school
board member might complain. The language