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Here's an idea. Rather than discussing evolution vs. creationism, my issue I want to debate is why the two are even being debated. Does creationism have any place in school at all? Separation of church of state is a foundation of modern government. I'm not sure that it should even by in a social studies or philosophy class. To me, it belongs only in religious buildings, it shouldn't be allowed in an academic building, if you want creationism, go to a church or catholic school. However, feel free to disagree with me. Am I taking it to far? Not far enough? Am I just plain wrong?

In a college/university it's all right, but in a non-catholic High School and whatnot seems rather iffy. Maybe part of an elective class, but not really part of the required curriculum.

Personally I never learned about it all that much in school. I mostly picked it up and the like. Only time it was mentioned was in History class was when it actually was part of the discussion, such as Scopes Monkey Trial. Briefly mentioned but still mentioned. Learning about stuff is interesting nonetheless, just as long as it's not stuffed down your throat.

(I go missing for a week or so and I find a few new topics, how great!)

Well, you can't keep religion out of our schools, that's just a fact. People will bring what they know and understand to be the truth into any situation or place. I pretty much agree with you, Scrya, but an elective Theology class would be nice, like what Famorge said. There is a slight problem with that notion, though. There will always be teachers that only teach what they believe and it'd be pretty difficult to find an impartial instructor.

Evolution has been a (legal) part of modern science for decades now, human evolution is another subject entirely. My biology teacher refuses to teach human evolution because of the problems involved, which is a pretty smooth move on his part.

Well, I think it's possible to teach about those sort of things and be pretty unbiased about it. The way to go about it, I believe, is to have people of different beliefs and cultures that specialize in that subject, such as philosophy, look at the topic and determine what has to be taught and how it should be taught, in the course.

Professors have to get their syllabus approved by someone/commitee? (correct me if I'm wrong) and all that before the semester. Plus, they are often in meetings with other professors to exchange teaching methods, etc, and hopefully that environment is a diverse one for more input.

Of course, there is still the possibility of bias depending on what type of college or university you go to because some places are not very diverse. I had a history high school teacher who went to a pretty much an rich and all-white school and was just shocked when she left home for college and see the history courses teaching stuff she has never even been told about. And I don't believe that's because in was a HS to college transition. Anyway, my point was, if it is not a diverse setting, you don't get anywhere in removing bias if all your colleagues pretty much just agree with you, have same ideas as you, etc, etc in the first place.

Where I live, it's a pretty liberal and diverse place so it's very (not to say that you can see some really blatantly discriminatory things, but it's generally frowned upon). In my personal experience and opinion, a professor in my first philosophy class was really wonderful and fair and balanced about discussing religion and other things. And there were Christians, agnostic, atheist, Muslim, etc etc. Even a Scientologist (most people would freak out, say, "UR STOOPID!") and no one was really up in arms and the teacher treated everyone fairly. Pretty cool. :]

Wait, I don't get what you're saying. You say the history of the evolution is the non-controversial part, but then go on to say that he teaches the theory, and that doing so is what is right to allow students their own choices. Which part is he not teaching? You said before that "refuses to teach human evolution". Does he or doesn't he? Or are you differentiating between evolution and human evolution?

I don't think ID should be taught in schools. I think schools should remain secular in nature, since secularism is a middle ground most people can agree on. We are NOT a truly christian nation. People say they identify as christians, but many do not go to church more than the major holidays, and celebrating capitalism. I could be wrong, but this is what I have observed. Not to mention all the other faiths that would be offended if only the christian truth was being taught

I think that teachers should always encourage kids to question what they say and search for their own truth, but everything taught should be secular.

I mean, if you're a christian, you can talk to your kids about what the "Real" truth is. I would if christian truths were being taught.