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TO AMEND CHAPTER 29 OF TITLE 59, CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 59-29-11 SO AS TO REQUIRE THAT CERTAIN TEACHING CRITERIA BE USED IN THE SCIENCE INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS PROVIDED BY ANY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THIS STATE.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. Chapter 29 of Title 59 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 59-29-11. It is the intent of the General Assembly that to enhance the effectiveness of science education and to promote academic freedom and the neutrality of state government with respect to teachings that touch religious and nonreligious beliefs, that scientific theories be taught objectively and without religious, naturalistic, or philosophic bias or assumption. To further this intent, the science instructional programs provided by any school district shall:
(1) encourage the presentation of scientific evidence objectively and without religious, naturalistic, or philosophic bias or assumption;
(2) require appropriate explanation and disclosure regarding the philosophic nature of science and the use of any material assumptions which may have provided a basis for the explanation being presented; and
(3) encourage the development of curriculum that will help students think critically, understand the full range of scientific views that exist, and understand why scientific theories may generate controversy."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
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