Darwin's Theory of Evolution has stirred controversy since its inception. Public schools in the United States, pressed by special interest groups on both sides of the controversy, have struggled with how best to teach the theory, if at all. Court cases have dealt with whether states can ban the teaching of evolutionary theory, whether Creationism…

Reviews issues and events related to adopting high school biology textbooks in Texas. Specific reference is given to the viewpoints of Mel and Norma Gabler. It is argued that factors controlling textbook content should not result from past market forces, but from a permanent science constituency and an informed public. (DH)

Examines Texas adoption process, described by author as having an inordinate impact on textbook market. Creationist opposition to evolution content in biological textbooks is well organized. Author presents 10 arguments made at hearing by creationists that he describes as a monument to scientific illiteracy. Asserts that creationists' confusion of…

The Texas attorney general has said that this state's textbook antievolution rules violate the First Amendment. Responses and issues related to this statement are discussed. The history of these rules is also discussed. (JN)

Discusses the process of state textbook adoption and how this process influences the subject matter that will prevail throughout the country. Elaborates on the Texas textbook adoption system as an example of a statewide selection procedure. (GEA)

Prevalence and distribution of certain pseudoscientific beliefs held by college students about human origins and prehistory were studied at a large, southwestern public university. Creationist beliefs were associated with religious and social conservatism. Pseudoarchaeological beliefs were somewhat related to age and locus of control, but not…