When it’s happening in your neck of the woods — about 45 minutes north of Chicago — the “debate” about Creationism takes on a whole new level of seriousness. That’s why I’m paying special attention to the Fremont School District 79 school board elections. Here’s what you need to know:

There are 4 candidates running for 3 seats on the board. 2 of them believe in Creationism. 1 is currently the board president.

That means if the other Creationist gets elected, the science curriculum in Mundelein and surrounding areas will become a wasteland of Christian nonsense.

“I think from a scientific standpoint [Creationism] can be given as a viewpoint,” board President Sandra Bickley said in the interview. “(It’s) another theory to consider.” Fellow candidate Kim Hansen had a similar take on the controversial topic. “It should be presented in a very broad type of curriculum or structure,” said Hansen, a first-time candidate. … Bickley called creationism “one set of theory” and thought it should be taught in science classes as part of a unit, although not necessarily promoted. “It’s something out there,” she said. “I don’t think it’s something that should be ignored.” Hansen also thought creationism belonged on public-school curriculums. “There is no right or wrong” when it comes to people’s beliefs, she said. Hansen suggested the topic be discussed at a community forum. Bickley said she intends to bring the topic to the full board and thought it could be the subject of a survey.

“I think it’s a great topic,” Bickley said.

There’s no need to rehash every argument against Creationism, but we know it’s not science. Scientists know it’s not science. The only people who think it’s science are Christians with an agenda to peddle their faith into public schools.

And there is absolutely a right and wrong when it comes to people’s beliefs on the subject: Anyone who believes in Creationism is wrong. It’s that simple. There’s no evidence for their beliefs. It’s completely Bible-based. Creationism doesn’t belong anywhere where real education is taking place. Evolution is supported by all the available evidence and is the backbone of proper scientific understanding.

Matt Lowry is a science teacher in Illinois and understands why this election is so important:

This is important because one things creationists do is track each others’ success with things like this; if they have even mild success in an area, they will make a concerted push in that area (and others). If you don’t beat them back quickly, they’ll multiply and try to take over the school board; then, the next thing you know, you’ve got another Dover trial on your hands.

I don’t live in the district, so I can’t cast a vote against Bickley or Hansen. But maybe some readers in the area can.

At the very least, maybe this posting can make it atop Google searches for their names in time for the elections…



