The New Scientist on the Texas Science Ruling

The New Scientist is skeptical about how good the new science standards in Texas really are. While the strengths and weaknesses language was removed, according to some, other problems remain:

However, additional amendments that were voted through provide loopholes for creationist teaching. "It's as if they slammed the door shut with strengths and weaknesses, then ran around the house opening windows to let it in a bunch of other ways," says Dan Quinn, who was on site at the hearings. Quinn is communications director of the Texas Freedom Network, a community watchdog organisation.

During the struggle over evolution, one particular amendment went unnoticed by most (including me):

An amendment to the Earth and space sciences curriculum requires the teaching of different theories of the origin, age and history of the universe. The board voted to remove from the standards the statement that the universe is roughly 14 billion years old.

Arguing about whether evolution can explain biological diversity is one thing. Positing that the universe might not be more than 6 000 years old is another thing, entirely. This goes against many different lines of evidence, including cosmology, astronomy and astrophysics, just to name a few. The money quote, though in the article is what Don McLeroy said:

Anti-evolutionist Don McLeroy, a dentist and chair of the Texas State Board of Education, testified at Friday's hearing: "I disagree with these experts. Someone has got to stand up to experts."

And you disagree with these experts based on what, your degree in dentistry??? Unqualified. Remove now!!