"Academic Freedom Act" goes to floor of Alabama state House
by Nick Matzke

On April 29, 2004, the Alabama state House Education Committee passed SB336 out of committee by a vote of 9-1, and placed it on the calendar for the full House. The bill, entitled the "Academic Freedom Act," aims to give public school teachers "the affirmative right and freedom to present scientific, historical, theoretical, or evidentiary information pertaining to alternative theories or points of view on the subject of origins." One of the sponsors of the House version of the bill, Rep. Jim Carns, was quoted in March as saying about the bill, "Evolution is one theory, creation is an alternative theory."

Regular legislative sessions contain no more than 30 legislative days within a 105-day calendar period. The 2004 Legislature's 28th day was May 5. The 105th calendar day is May 17.

The Alabama Citizens for Science Education website has news updates and legal and educational analyses of SB336.

Links:

• Bill history for SB336
• McGrew, Jannell. "Bill calls for pledge in schools [SB336 discussed]." Montgomery Advertiser, May 5, 2004.
• McGrew, Jannell. "Veterans health contract bill stalls [SB336 discussed]." Montgomery Advertiser, April 29, 2004.
• Steele, David. "Education evolving." The Auburn Plainsman, March 18, 2004.
• Previous NCSE updates on Alabama

May 5, 2004