Supporting creationism can be costly

The Dover Area School Board decided in 2004 that its science teachers would read a statement on creationism during ninth-grade biology classes. Eleven parents sued the district over this policy (Kitzmiller v. the Dover Area School District). The case was tried in late 2005 before Judge John E. Jones III, a George W. Bush appointee.

Judge Jones ruled that the Dover policy was unconstitutional, and he barred the statement from being presented in the Dover Area School District science classes.

As a result of the ruling, Dover Area School Board determined in early 2006 it that would pay $1,000,011 in legal fees and damages to the parents and their lawyers. The district taxpayers became responsible for payment.

Had the Dover Area School Board not received free legal representation and had the winning legal firm not reduced its fees by more than 50 percent, the taxpayers’ responsibility would have been much higher.

The District 95 school board candidates, District 79 School Board candidates, and taxpayers/voters need to know the potential cost of the candidates’ public position.

Donald C. Eggert Jr.

Hawthorn Woods