The teachings of creationism in the classrooms of Springboro, Ohio is being considered according to the Huffington Post.
Creationism is defined as a religious belief that "matter, the various forms of life, and the world were created by God out of nothing." Although parents and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) disapprove of implementing the religious teaching, the Springboro, Ohio school board is entertaining the proposal which includes various controversial topics that were once banned from academic curriculum worldwide.
The Huffington Post reports the proposal includes "sex education, legalization of drugs, evolution/creation, pro-life/abortion, contraception/abstinence, conservatism/liberalism, politics, gun rights, global warming and climate change, and sustainable development."
The American Civil Liberties Union responded to the proposal by asking the school district to deny the heavy material on grounds that religion should not be taught as factual information.
The teaching of creationism within public classrooms has been an on going battle between parents, educators, and ACLU. In 2011, a similar proposal was presented but did not get a favorable response by the public.
"When public schools teach their preferred religious ideology as fact, it sends a message that the school supports one religion over all others. This threatens the religious freedom of everyone," said Drew Dennis, a staff attorney for the ACLU of Ohio.
Parents were at the forefront on the battle against the implementing of creationism, pro-life, liberalism, and other subjects within the academic proposal. "We're being defined by out issues and not our accomplishments," said Lynn Greenberg, a parents who feels creationism will be too distracting in the classroom.
On the other hand, some feel the controversial topics will give students the opportunity to choose what to believe and how to live their lives. "Creationism would help the district ensure we're not indoctrinating one point of view or another," said Jim Rigano, a school board member.
The proposal will be voted on early June.
