Texas Enforces 24-Hour Waiting Period to Espouse Evolutionism

AUSTIN, TX — In a controversial move that has sparked outrage among educators, scientists, and civil rights groups, the Texas State Board of Education announced Tuesday that it will enforce a 24-hour waiting period for anyone who wants to espouse evolutionism in public schools.

The new policy, which goes into effect next month, requires teachers, students, and visitors to sign a consent form and watch a video that presents the alternative theory of intelligent design before they can express any support for the scientific explanation of how life evolved on Earth.

“We believe that this is a reasonable and compassionate measure that will protect the rights and dignity of all Texans,” said board chair Donna Bahorich, who spearheaded the initiative. “Evolutionism is a serious and irreversible decision that should not be taken lightly. We want to make sure that people have all the information they need to make an informed choice that aligns with their values and beliefs.”

Bahorich added that the video, which was produced by the Discovery Institute, a Seattle-based think tank that promotes intelligent design, features testimonials from former evolutionists who regret their decision and warn others of the dangers of accepting Darwin’s theory.

According to the board, anyone who still wants to espouse evolutionism after the waiting period will have to undergo a mandatory counseling session with a licensed creationist, who will explain the scientific and moral flaws of evolutionism and offer alternatives such as adoption or abstinence.

The board also stated that it will impose a $500 fine and a 30-day suspension for anyone who violates the policy or tries to circumvent it by espousing evolutionism outside of school grounds or online.

The policy has been met with fierce opposition from critics who argue that it violates the First Amendment, the separation of church and state, and the right to academic freedom.

“This is nothing but a thinly veiled attempt to impose religious dogma on public education and stifle scientific inquiry,” said Eugenie Scott, executive director of the National Center for Science Education, a nonprofit organization that defends the teaching of evolution in schools. “It is an insult to the intelligence and integrity of teachers and students who want to learn about the natural world as it is, not as some ideologues wish it to be.”

Scott added that she expects the policy to be challenged in court as soon as it takes effect.

Meanwhile, some supporters of evolutionism have vowed to defy the policy and continue to espouse their views regardless of the consequences.

“I don’t care what they say or do. I’m not going to lie to my students or myself,” said Jennifer Miller, a biology teacher at Austin High School. “Evolution is a fact, not a belief. And I’m not going to wait 24 hours or watch some propaganda video to say it.”