From what I have read from various sources is that this decision is saying is that a teacher cannot even mention the fact that there are theories other than evolution.
The only thing the school board was allowing was for teachers to make a brief statement that not everyone agrees with evolution, there are opposing theories, and students should make up their own minds. There wasn't even anything being taught about any other theory. Just that brief statement.
For evols to get so bent out of shape over something like that shows they are more interested in brainwashing students than in educating them.
Not quite correct. That's not what the statement said. To clarify, I've posted the complete statement below.
The statement clearly and plainly stated that 'ID is an explanation of the origin of life that differs from Darwin's view' and also recommended the 'reference' book, "Of Pandas and People".
The problem is that Darwin's theory doesn't address the origin of life and the 'reference' book is thinly-veiled creationism.
First, the board passed a resolution that said that they were going to teach "other theories of evolution".
ID is not a theory of evolution, but of the origin of life.
As an aside, the boards resolution plainly stated, as seen in blue, that they were not going to teach the origin of life.
But, in the statement they gave to teachers to read, we see that they are plainly stating that "Intelligent Design is an explanation of the origin of life".
And to further muddy the waters, the teachers' statement says that the "school leaves the discussion of the origin of life to individual students and their families."
All of it is one lie layered on another and they got caught.
This is why they lost the case and why they got booted out of office afterward.
On October 18, 2004, the Defendant Dover Area School Board of Directors passed by a 6-3 vote the following resolution:
Students will be made aware of gaps/problems in Darwin’s theory and of other theories of evolution including, but not limited to, intelligent design. Note: Origins of Life is not taught.
On November 19, 2004, the Defendant Dover Area School District announced by press release that, commencing in January 2005, teachers would be required to read the following statement to students in the ninth grade biology class at Dover High School:
The Pennsylvania Academic Standards require students to learn about Darwin’s Theory of Evolution and eventually to take a standardized test of which evolution is a part. Because Darwin’s Theory is a theory, it continues to be tested as new evidence is discovered. The Theory is not a fact. Gaps in the Theory exist for which there is no evidence. A theory is defined as a well-tested explanation that unifies a broad range of observations. Intelligent Design is an explanation of the origin of life that differs from Darwin’s view. The reference book, Of Pandas and People, is available for students who might be interested in gaining an understanding of what Intelligent Design actually involves. With respect to any theory, students are encouraged to keep an open mind. The school leaves the discussion of the Origins of Life to individual students and their families. As a Standards-driven district, class instruction focuses upon preparing students to achieve proficiency on Standards-based assessments.
I can see where there would be some objection to this if there were other theories to mention. But there aren't. ID doesn't qualify as a scientific theory. A scientific theory has to be able to lead to propositions that are scientifically testable, and you can't do that with ID.