Intelligent Design, Evolution, and the Public School System
http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/10/06/evolution.trial.ap/index.html

Once again, the theories of intelligent design and evolution are causing friction in the public school system. Eight families in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania have taken the Pennsylvania Public School System to court over the issue. They complain that references to intelligent design in a student biology book "promotes the Bible’s view of creation, violating the separation of church and state."
Firstly, the Biology book under fire presents the theories of evolution and intelligent design equally. To me, it seems that such a book should be praised, not ridiculed. A truly open minded book should always present all theories involved to create a fair and logical argument. People often become so caught up in supporting "their cause", that they abandon all rational thinking abilities when dealing with such situations. Evolution and intelligent design are both theories, and neither are proven fully! If you do not believe in one or the other, you have the right to hold that belief. However, it would be unfair to remove a theory from existence simply because it does not settle well with some people. References to knowledge should always try to present a balanced argument.
Secondly, references to intelligent design are not necessarily religious. Although it is a popular belief that an intelligent designer could be a divine being, the theory itself does not reference such. The theory also does not use the Bible as a means of proof. Intelligent design is simply a theory that some intelligent being whether it be divine or even alien, created the living creatures on this earth. Such a theory is plausible, and can be logically argued. So, my question is ",why can’t it be presented along side other plausible theories?"
Thirdly, I do not understand why the theories of intelligent design and evolution cannot be reconciled. The two theories can be intermingled. One or the other does not have to be necessarily right or wrong. They can both be accurate. One should always have the opportunity to choose what to believe. If the public school system is robbed of it’s ability to present all sides of an argument, students will never have the chance to choose what to believe or not to believe. If we are force fed knowledge without knowing all aspects of the situation, will our choices be accurate? Are we to become drones, and believe something that is not challenged? We as a nation should stand for our right to knowledge, our future and well being depends on it.