EDWARDS V. AGUILLARD

In December of 1987, the case of Edwards v. Aguillard. The decision was made in June of 1987. Louisiana law prohibited the teaching of the theory of evolution in public schools unless that instruction was accompanied by the teaching of creation science. The act does not require teaching of either theory unless the other is taught. The question was did Louisiana law, which mandated the teaching of "creation science" along with the theory of evolution, violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

EDWARDS

• Edwards was the governor of Louisiana for 4 terms
• Passed the law for creationism and evolution to be taught
• Wanted creationism to be seen as another theory

AGUILLARD

• Aguillard thought it was unconstitutional for Creationism to be taught along with evolution.
• Edwards also thaught the law was specifically intended to advance a particular religion.
• Aguillard was a high school advanced biology teacher.

STUDENT OPINION

• I believe that Edwards was right.
• Both theories should be taught
• Students should be able to choose what they learn
• Nothing should be forced on anyone.
• Both should be considered scientific theories

Q&A

• Who do you believe was right
• Do you believe this was a good decision
• Write a 1 page essay on who you believe was right

SOURCES

• www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/482/578
• en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwards_v._Aguillard
• www.firstamendmentschools.org/freedoms/case.aspx?id=464