David Walls of Texas Values says the board – after adopting streamlined science standards that preserve that right – rejected a final attempt by liberal advocacy groups to have students and teachers merely “identify” scientific theories on the origins of life without critical thinking and debate.

Walls says in reaching its decision, the Board heard from concerned parents, professionals, scholars, and scientists – and opted instead for stronger language to allow those in the classroom to “compare and contrast” and “examine” theories on the origin of life.

“These new standards, while being streamlined from the previous standards, still protected the ability for academic freedom and critical thinking on these important topics,” he tells OneNewsNow.

“We’re certainly thankful that the board once again rejected attempts to push a one-sided, dogmatic view and instead listened to teachers, parents, and students who favored preserving the ability to critically analyze the scientific evidence regarding evolution.”

Evolution News reports a number of media outlets wrongly reported that the Texas Board had dropped requirements for evolution to be critically examined in the classroom.