Personally, I'm more concerned with the scientific perspective regarding species evolution but I can respect the fact that this vantage point does not exist in a vaccuum. Science, politics, society and religion are heavily entangled whether we like it or not.
The scientific form of evolution builds on Darwinian theory. Despite the heuristic and informative value of what Darwin posited, there are still areas in even the developed world where the scientific evidence of what man originated from is as unbelievable to individuals living in the year 2010 as it was to the majority in the late 1880's. The main instigator of this disbelief is, ironically, the belief in God and religious faith. As a result, 'intelligent design' is regarded as an appropriate 'alternative theory' to teach children in schools.
Schools in the 'red states' of America are the most common examples of areas where 'intelligent design' is taught to be a legitimate theory that, as the Texan-based Foundation for Thought & Ethics puts it: "fills in the gaps of Darwin's theory." Unsurprisingly, the FTE is a Christian organisation that specialises in providing schools with textbooks on, among other things: intelligent design, abstinence and Christian nationalism1. They infamously participated in the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District court case back in 20052. (The case is fantastically portrayed in Judgement Day: Intelligent Design On Trial - definately worth a watch!)
The first striking fact of this case is the fact that it took place in 2005. Then again, it is perhaps naive to assume that all individuals living in the twenty-first century have progressed to the same stage or to assume that ignorance has been completely obliterated in our very seemingly advanced world. Most likely, it's the optimist in me being shot down.
The other thing about this case is the ethical implications it raises. During a quick skim-read of the FTE's legal guidebook regarding intelligent design in the public school curriculum, one finds that the organisation "seeks to restore freedom of choice to young people in the classroom... [by] breaking the naturalistic monopoly over school curricula."3 Naturalistic of course is referring to the discipline of science. Thus, the aim of the FTE is to, supposedly, prevent the corrupting influence of a discipline dripping with systematic knowledge gained through controlled observation and experimentation.
It is a fact that intelligent design is not a testable 'theory.' This means that children, the adults of tomorrow are being taught a falsehood that is legitimised by the blind faith of their parents and their communities. Ethically, this is wrong. It is wrong to distort the facts regarding evolutionary theory. It is also wrong to impose religious culture into the secular education system. Funnily enough, it violates the First American Amendment for the freedom of religion too4. America is a melting pot of nationalities and religious faiths. Teaching a 'theory' based on the Christian book of Genesis would monopolise those of other faiths (which explains why the FTE is also a strong proponent of Christian nationalism too).
Putting all of that aside, religion is a blind leap of faith. Science is not perfect but by its very definition, science is digging out its own flaws and laying them bare for the world to see, investigate and hopefully fix. Intelligent design is being taught as the gospel, as something that 'seems likely because there is proof here and there' but it is not something that can be proven. So it is unethical morally and scientifically to teach intelligent design in public schools. Nonetheless, it still happens even in lands as great as America and there are plenty of individuals out there wanting it to be taught in their schools too.
To put it in plain English: let's stick to facts in the classroom and leave the gigantic and elaborate leaps of faith for the churches, mosques and other places of religious worship.
