Tangipahoa Parish Bd. of Educ. v. Freiler

In Tangipahoa Parish Bd. of Educ. v. Freiler, 530 U.S. 1251 (2000), the U.S. Supreme Court denied certiorari in an appeal from a decision by the Fifth Circuit invalidating the following resolution by a Louisiana school board:

"Whenever, in classes of elementary or high school, the scientific theory of evolution is to be presented, whether from textbook, workbook, pamphlet, other written material, or oral presentation the following statement shall be quoted immediately before the unit of study begins as a disclaimer from endorsement of such theory.

"It is hereby recognized by the Tangipahoa Parish Board of Education, that the lesson to be presented, regarding the origin of life and matter, is known as the Scientific Theory of Evolution and should be presented to inform students of the scientific concept and not intended to influence or dissuade the Biblical version of Creation or any other concept.

"It is further recognized by the Board of Education that it is the basic right and privilege of each student to form his/her own opinion or maintain beliefs taught by parents on this very important matter of the origin of life and matter. Students are urged to exercise critical thinking and gather all information possible and closely examine each alternative toward forming an opinion."

Justice Antonin Scalia dissented from this denial of certiorari, and was joined by Chief Justice William Rehnquist and Justice Clarence Thomas