Whereas we understand that the Alabama legislature is considering a requirement that "Scientific Creationism" be included as an alternative to evolutionary theory during discussions in Alabama public schools of the origin and development of life; and

Whereas we consider the theory of scientific creationism to be neither scientifically based nor capable of performing the roles required of a scientific theory; and

Whereas we agree with the statement of the National Academy of Sciences that "religion and science are separate and mutually exclusive realms of human thought whose presentation in the same context leads to misunderstanding of both scientific theory and religious belief"; and

Whereas the proposed action would impair the proper segregation of teaching of science and religion to the detriment of both; and

Whereas we favor the continued observance of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guaranteeing freedom of religion by assuming separation of Church and State; and

Whereas the inclusion of the theory of creation represents dictation by a lay body, of what shall be included within science;

Therefore, The University of Alabama in Huntsville Faculty Senate resolves both that:

1. It is opposed to the requirement of teaching of special creation in Alabama public schools and to its presentation as a scientific theory; and
2. It is opposed to the passage of the scientific creationism bills (H-526 and S-353) before the Alabama legislature.