Creationism will no longer be taught in Ohio schools
Youngstown, Ohio schools CEO Crish Mohip has declared that his schools will no longer allow any non-scientific religious dogma to be taught.
This decision comes after it came to light that popular Creationist Adnan Oktar had shown a video on the creationist theory in the Youngstown classrooms in Ohio. The Ohio school curriculum has required that teachers show a creationist video as part of the tenth grade education program. The video, “Cambrian Fossils and The Creation of Species“, depicts the creationist theory of the origin of life.
However, things are going to change across Youngstown schools with the new decision made by Mohip. The CEO said they will follow a curriculum that will be completely in line with the guidelines as laid down by the Education Department of Ohio. A new memorandum issued by the CEO states that starting from the new academic year 2016-17, all references to religious, paranormal, supernatural and other such non-scientific data will be completely eliminated. In addition to the removal of religious elements from the academic curriculum, they will also be replaced in co-curricular activities such as activities, discussions, video-viewing and games.
The Ohio State-based education is more centered on the scientific discoveries such as the Big Bang theory, which says the whole universe was once just a miniscule, highly compressed mass which eventually exploded. This explosion led to a gradual expansion in the elements of the “primordial atom,” which later on went to form the solar system as we know it. Darwin's evolutionary theory, along with the latest developments, is also part of the state-recommended curriculum.
With the new changes that Youngstown is set to undergo, lawsuits and protests by religious groups and institutions are expected to be directed towards the management. However, the CEO is confident that his decision is right as it is in accordance with the directives of Ohio's Education Department, and as such, perfectly legal. The teaching staff and other employees of the schools are currently being given proper instructions about their new responsibilities.
Read also
Orthodox Prison Ministry Holds First Study Day in Belgium
Belgium’s first Orthodox Prison Ministry study day explored pastoral care in correctional institutions, featuring insights from a Dutch prison chaplain.
Ecumenical Patriarch Celebrates Feast of St. Haralambos at the Phanar
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew prayed at the feast-day Divine Liturgy for St. Haralambos at the Phanar’s chapel dedicated to the wonderworking hieromartyr.
Abp. Elpidophoros: Ukraine Will Shape the Future of Inter-Orthodox Relations
Abp. Elpidophoros said events in Ukraine will play a decisive role in shaping future relations between Orthodox Churches worldwide.
U.S. Vice President Vance Speaks Warmly of Georgia and Patr. Ilia II
Vice President JD Vance offered notably warm remarks about Georgia’s Christian identity and Patr. Ilia, President Kavelashvili said, underscoring U.S. respect for the country’s spiritual heritage.
St. Catherine’s Monastery Awaits Decree as Tourism Pressures Grow
Abp. Simeon of Sinai is urging diplomatic dialogue to protect the historic privileges of St. Catherine’s Monastery amid growing tourism development.
St. Tikhon’s Celebrates Ordination of Fifteen New Clergy
St. Tikhon’s Seminary celebrates a significant series of recent ordinations, highlighting its ongoing mission to form and ordain clergy.