Ohio school district ponders creationism for hot-topic list

CINCINNATI (AP) — An Ohio school district proposal to add creationism to a hot-topics list deemed appropriate for classroom discussion is drawing opposition from some parents and a civil-rights group.

The Springboro Board of Education took comments on the proposal at a meeting Thursday night attended by parents, students and teachers. Some parents urged the board to abandon the plan, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio sent a letter to the board, saying the policy would violate the separation of church and state.

“Basically they would be teaching creationism to counteract the teaching of evolution,” ACLU spokesman Nick Worner said today. “Anytime that you promote or teach the beliefs of one religion over all other religions or beliefs in a public school classroom, that’s a problem.”

Board officials did not return messages left today seeking comment.