The Dover Area School Board voted on October 18, 2004, that students in the schools should be “made aware of gaps/problems in Darwin’s theory and of other theories of evolution including, but not limited to, intelligent design.” This was the first time in America that any schools at any level would specifically promote Intelligent Design. It would become an important test case for whether Intelligent Design could be taught constitutionally.
On November 19, 2004, the board announced that teachers would be required to read a disclaimer to 9th grade biology classes:
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“The Pennsylvania Academic Standards require students to learn about Darwin’s Theory of Evolution and eventually to take a standardized test of which evolution is a part.”
“Because Darwin’s Theory is a theory, it continues to be tested as new evidence is discovered. The Theory is not a fact. Gaps in the Theory exist for which there is no evidence. A theory is defined as a well-tested explanation that unifies a broad range of observations.”
“Intelligent Design is an explanation of the origin of life that differs from Darwin’s view. The reference book, Of Pandas and People, is available for students who might be interested in gaining an understanding of what Intelligent Design actually involves.”
“With respect to any theory, students are encouraged to keep an open mind. The school leaves the discussion of the Origins of Life to individual students and their families. As a Standards-driven district, class instruction focuses upon preparing students to achieve proficiency on Standards-based assessments.”
On December 14, 2004, a group of parents filed suit against the board, arguing that the promotion of Intelligent Design is an unconstitutional promotion of religion, violating the separation of church and state. The trial in federal district court before Judge Jones began on September 26, 2005 and ended on November 4, 2005.
In a broad, detailed, and at times withering decision, Judge John E. Jones III handed opponents of religiously motivated superstition and scientific ignorance a substantial victory. Jones’ decision is worth considering at length because it was based upon a trial where supporters of Intelligent Design were given an opportunity to make the best case possible against their critics. They were questioned by a sympathetic lawyer who allowed them to make their arguments as they thought best; then they had the opportunity to offer their explanations to the questions of a critical lawyer.
Leading defenders of Intelligent Design spent days on the witness stand putting Intelligent Design in the best light possible in the context of a neutral fact-finding investigation. They wanted for nothing, except facts and sound arguments it seems. What little success the Intelligent Design movement has enjoyed in America has been due entirely to political spin and positive PR. When it comes to science and law, two areas where facts and arguments count for everything while posturing is treated as a weakness, Intelligent Design fails.
As a consequence we have a definitive explanation from a conservative Christian judge about why Intelligent Design is religious rather than scientific.
Summary and Analysis of the Major Features in the Kitzmiller v Dover Decision:
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Intelligent Design is Re-Labeled Creationism
Opposition to Teaching Evolution is Religious
Anti-Evolution Disclaimers Promote Religion, not Science or Objectivity
Intelligent Design is Based upon Belief in a Supernatural God
Intelligent Design is Re-Labeled Religious Theology
The Purpose of Intelligent Design is to Promote Christianity
Intelligent Design is not Science or Scientific
There is No Secular Purpose to Intelligent Design
