MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Education

By: Representatives Wells-Smith, Smith (35th), Robinson (84th), Moore, Chaney, Cameron

AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT ANY SCIENCE PROGRAM OR SCIENCE CURRICULUM IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF MISSISSIPPI MAY INCLUDE THE PRESENTATION OF THE THEORIES ABOUT THE ORIGIN OF LIFE IF EACH THEORY, INCLUDING EVOLUTION AND CREATION SCIENCE, IS GIVEN EQUAL INSTRUCTION TIME; TO PROVIDE THAT NO SCHOOL BOARD SHALL DISCRIMINATE AGAINST ANY TEACHER WHO TEACHES THE ORIGIN OF LIFE THEORIES IN THE MANNER PROVIDED IN THIS ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Any science program or science curriculum in the public schools of Mississippi may include the presentation of the theories about the origin of life. If such theories are taught, each theory, including evolution and creation science, shall be given equal instruction time in order to provide the students with a comprehensive scientific education. No school board shall discriminate against any teacher who teaches the origin of life theories in the manner provided in this section.

SECTION 2 This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 1997.