Americans United Applauds Settlement Of Georgia Lawsuit Over Evolution Disclaimer
Tuesday, December 19, 2006

AU's Lynn Commends Cobb County School Board For Supporting Sound Science Education

Americans United for Separation of Church and State today lauded a Georgia public school board’s decision to drop its defense of anti-evolution disclaimers for science textbooks.

The Cobb County School Board has agreed to settle the long-running legal fracas over its 2002 decision to place anti-evolution stickers in high school biology textbooks.

In an agreement announced today, Cobb County school officials state that they will not order the placement of “any stickers, labels, stamps, inscriptions, or other warnings or disclaimers bearing language substantially similar to that used on the sticker that is the subject of this action.” School officials also agreed not to take other actions that would undermine the teaching of evolution in biology classes.

“Cobb County school officials have taken the right step to ensure that their students receive a quality education,” said the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United. “Students should be taught sound science, and the curriculum should not be altered at the behest of aggressive religious groups.”

The school board appealed, but the 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals sent the case back, saying it didn't have enough information to make its own ruling.

"After the 11th Circuit Court vacated the decision, we faced the distraction and expense of starting all over with more legal actions and another trial," said board Chairwoman Teresa Plenge. "With this agreement, it is done and we now have a clean slate for the new year."

AP report:

You've got to think that, despite DI claims that the Kitzmiller decision has no bearing outside that district, Judge Jones' decision influenced the conclusion of this case.

And what a surprise: another school district wastes money on legal action but finally loses. Oh well, I guess these school districts don't have any better uses for their funds than paying the money to lawyers -- it's not like they could use the resources to educate children or something.