It was brought to FFRF’s attention that an Owasso High School teacher, Bob Linder, was teaching creationism in his science classes. Linder fallaciously claimed that the biblically based idea of human origin was equivalent to the scientific theory of evolution, which he had made attempts to cast doubt upon. Teaching creationism, or any of its derivatives such as intelligent design, to a captive student audience is unlawful — as federal courts have consistently upheld. FFRF Staff Attorney Andrew Seidel wrote to Owasso Public Schools Superintendent Clark Ogilvie on Jan. 31, informing the district of the violation.
“Teaching that there is a scientific controversy about the validity of evolution is akin to teaching astrology with astronomy or alchemy beside chemistry,” wrote Seidel. “Representing unconstitutional discarded misconceptions as scientific facts does a great disservice to the scientific literacy of Owasso High School students.”
An attorney representing the school district informed FFRF in a letter sent June 20 that Linder had voluntarily retired, and that appropriate actions had been taken by the district to prevent similar violations of staff infusing religious doctrine into curriculum.
