This is not only idiotic, it’s infuriating:
After 27 years as a science teacher and 9 years as the Texas Education Agency’s director of science, Christine Castillo Comer said she did not think she had to remain “neutral” about teaching the theory of evolution.
“It’s not just a good idea; it’s the law,” said Ms. Comer, citing the state’s science curriculum.
But now Ms. Comer, 56, of Austin, is out of a job, after forwarding an e-mail message on a talk about evolution and creationism — “a subject on which the agency must remain neutral,” according to a dismissal letter last month that accused her of various instances of “misconduct and insubordination” and of siding against creationism and the doctrine that life is the product of “intelligent design.”
I honestly can’t believe people are still having this so-called “debate.” On the one hand, you have a theory based on sound science. On the other, you have an unprovable philosophy based on reasoning and faith, having nothing to do with science. One of those belongs in a science classroom, and one doesn’t. No one should have to remain impartial about that.
Update: Appropriately scathing NYT editorial here.
Blendor 
It baffles me that this could even happen. Faith has nothing to do with science and this woman is a science educator and director. It is her job to uphold the quality of education in the interest of science. I completely agree with you and I think you put it best.
Unprovable. Philosophy.
Wow. Hadn’t heard about this. I’ve been growing more and more disenchanted with the state of public education in this state. It’s hard enough being a teacher and it seems like the state is doing everything they can to make it harder.
yeah, two of my good friends teach high school up near dallas. they pretty much say the same thing.