Proposed creationist changes would be “shameful”, according to nationally recognized science curriculum expert.

March 11, Oakland, California — Ohio’s science education will improve from an F grade to an A if the new proposed statewide science standards are accepted as is, according to Dr. Lawrence Lerner, a nationally recognized expert on state science standards. But creationists may not allow that to happen.

On March 5 the Ohio House of Representatives began hearings on two bills introduced as the controversy over new state science standards continues. Rep. Linda Reidelbach, a Columbus Republican, is the primary sponsor of both bills.

On January 24, 2002, the West Greene school board voted 6-2 to allow young-earth creationist Steve Grohman (who maintains a web site at ) to address students during an assembly during school hours on March 25. Those not wishing to attend could choose not to do so. High school principal Brian Jackson reviewed a tape from Grohman, who asserts that evolution is not true science and that both creationism and evolution should be taught in public schools, according to a story in the Washington, Pennsylvania, Observer-Reporter on January 25.

A petition requesting that an elective class in "creation science" be taught has been presented to the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation Board in Columbus, Indiana. According to news reports about 1300 people signed the petition. A school district committee will be looking into the request to determine if any other public schools offer such a separate creation science class, or if curricula exist for one.

On February 7th, 2002 a group of Ohio citizens held a press conference at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History to announce the formation of Ohio Citizens for Science (OCS). The group represents parents, citizens, scientists and clergy from all over the state of Ohio concerned with maintaining quality science education in the state's public schools.