Other NGOs have questioned the right of the Vatican to maintain permanent observer status at the U.N., given that Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Episcopalians and other religious groups do not have the same privilege. Anti-evolutionists are using a new weapon in their fight to bring the supernatural into science curriculums. The U.S. Supreme Court held eight years ago that compelling public schools to teach 'creation science,' a doctrine that argues that science supports special creation, was unconstitutional. Director Jon A. Buell says the organization has sold 19,000 copies. The book leaves its intelligent force unnamed.
Critics are, however, underwhelmed by the distinction.
Eugene C. Scott of the National Center for Science Education in Berkeley, Calif., which monitors creationist activity, says anti-evolutionary sentiment is strong in many small towns. Although there are no national data, a 1991 survey of Kansas biology teachers by J. Richard Schrock of Emporia State University found that one in four favored giving creationism and evolution equal time. United for Separation of Church and State. She points out that groups headed by the Christian Coalition are placing supporters on school boards and state committees across the country. The representatives typically argue that children should be given the benefit of a variety of theories.