Colorado —
“James Irwin Charter Schools in Colorado took comprehensive action to remove creationist lessons from all charter schools in the district, thanks to a letter from FFRF.
A concerned parent reported that James Irwin Charter Middle School (JICMS) was introducing creationism in its eighth-grade science curriculum. Per an email sent to parents by the “Science Lead” at JICMS, “During eighth-grade year in our evolution unit, per the guidelines in the charter of our school, we teach intelligent design and evolution. We present a creationist theory and an evolutionist theory regarding natural selection, adaptation and evolution.”
FFRF pointed out that teaching creationism is unlawful, as the school would be teaching religion instead of teaching scientific fact.
“A public charter school telling students that creationism is an accepted” “scientific theory on the same footing as evolution undoubtedly interferes with parents’ rights to determine their children’s religious or nonreligious education,” FFRF Staff Attorney Sammi Lawrence wrote to the district.
James Irwin Charter Schools Chief Executive Officer Rob Daugherty responded with comprehensive steps detailing the school’s action to remove the religious lessons and fortify a science-driven education. Daugherty wrote that steps included:
• “Verification across all James Irwin campuses that intelligent design is not included in science curriculum elsewhere in the network.”
• “Implementation of additional guidance and training for school leaders and instructional staff regarding the appropriate handling of questions related to religion, creationism or intelligent design when they arise in classroom discussions initiated by students.”
• “Presentation of a formal board action to codify this clarification within our curriculum governance framework to ensure consistent compliance moving forward.””
