Creation theory replaces evolution in biology textbooks

The latest move by the AKP government, which has frequently made changes to the education system during its approximately 22-year tenure, has sparked reactions.

In the new curriculum prepared by the Ministry of National Education (MEB), the detail regarding the "creation theory" in the biology course drew attention.

Having removed the 'Beginning of Life and Evolution' unit as of the 2017-2018 academic year, the MEB also removed information suggestive of the theory of evolution from textbooks.

CREATION THEORY PLACED AT THE CENTER INSTEAD OF EVOLUTION THEORY

In the new curriculum, while the theory of evolution is counted among 'theories whose accuracy has not been proven,' the 'creation theory' has been placed at the center.

Under the heading "Basic Philosophy and Special Objectives of the Biology Course Curriculum" prepared by the MEB, the following expressions were used: "The creation theory is adopted in the education and training processes carried out with the biology course curriculum developed within the scope of the Turkey Century Education Model." The scandalous expressions in the program were not limited to these. The program, which drew the reaction of educators, included the following statements:

"Biological events emerge as a requirement of a plan and program, and point to the perfect balance and order seen in the universe and all living and non-living beings within it. Living things form a perfect balance in complete harmony both in their own structures and functions and with each other. The science of biology, on the other hand, opens the door to understanding this flawless order of life, the fine details of vitality, and the magnificent designs of creation."

"CURRICULA MUST BE SCIENTIFIC"

According to the report by Mustafa Bildircin from Birgün; Eğitim Sen Education and Higher Education Secretary Evrim Gülez stated that the MEB is targeting secular and scientific education. Stating that there is discomfort with the teaching of evolution, which has been proven to be a scientific fact through genetic comparisons and analyses, Gülez continued her words as follows:

"It is understood that the MEB has chosen to put a clear distance between itself and science by acting while closing its eyes to scientific facts. Moreover, not content with this, a highly controversial subject such as 'creation theory' has been placed into the biology curriculum as a basic philosophy. The understanding adopted by the MEB in the secondary education biology curriculum and what it wants to do is a direct challenge to science and scientific facts.

Curricula should aim to convey scientific knowledge, to grasp nature and life as a whole, and should be in a content that includes learning experiences that will serve the multi-faceted development of students."

Saying, "There is nothing that curricula that ignore universal scientific facts and use a language largely based on religious rules and references can give to our children/students," Gülez continued as follows:

"As Eğitim Sen, we will continue to closely monitor the preparations for the new curriculum and will continue to defend secularism, science, and scientific education against similar initiatives that represent a challenge to secular scientific education."

News Source: 12punto