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John Daley ReportingOn Capitol Hill, lawmakers are weighing a bill to make schools teach that evolution isn't the only scientific theory about man's origins. KSL stopped by a high school science class to see how the debate is playing there.
The bill requiring schools to teach that evolution isn't the only theory on man's origins inspires talk of science, religion, education, separation of church and state. Echoes of that debate are heard in Doug Jorgensen's Zoology class at Highland High.
"They're saying they don't agree on evolution, they don't all agree on evolution, so there has to be other origins of life, so they almost have to teach intelligent design."
"If you want to talk about intelligent design, you're going to have to talk about religion. Question: so in other words you're saying we should keep religion out all together? I think you put it in."
"Like for instance the seminary building, it could be taught there or particular classes, but not exactly in classes where it's mandatory."
"I think it should be mentioned because the students can decide for themselves what they want to believe."
One student wonders, are science and religion really so incompatible?
"Things are evolving right now and I believe God does exist, so they go for me."
Jorgensen passes out a list of the other many education bills getting a lot less public attention, like one addressing class size.
"I think that's a lot more important than theories of intelligent design or whatever this bill stresses."
Ultimately, what started as a debate over science...
"In the end it doesn't matter because people are going to learn about it anyway. So it's easier to learn about it in school and get all the facts."
"It'll inspire people to talk about it more and I hope that it will, it'll be good."
That bill, Senate Bill 96, has passed the Senate. Next stop, the House. Governor Huntsman has not said whether or not he'll sign the bill if it passes.
