Creationism is the word of God to be accepted on faith alone. No one is allowed to postulate theories of how creation happened.

Evolution is a fact. How it works has several theories.

Yet the school board in Richland is being asked to include creationism along with evolution so children can make a choice. A choice in science? Well I understand that some researchers schew their findings and make results come out to their liking but choosing to put an unsubstantiated story into science is something no self-respecting scientist would do.

A board member proposed changing the description of evolution to suggest it "may" be a central theme that unifies all biology. She wasn't suggesting the district teach other forms of beginnings but putting "may" along with the word evolution would allow student scientists to reach their own conclusions.

One board member insisted: "Teachers need a little bit of latitude" in working with science.

TO DO WHAT? TEACH RELIGION?

Creationism is a Judeo-Christian creation - a God's word.

To consider word of a Christian God for inclusion in the science program of Richland Public schools is an affront to our non-Christian citizens. In our multicultural society to place one religion's idea before children in any textbook demonstrates government support which many times has been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

Evolution is a fact. How it works has several theories. But everyone, even religious people admit that animals have evolved. No one is absolutely certain how it worked through the eons of time and some interesting aspects are being studied.

Are you watching your school boards? Many schools are spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on new textbooks and related science material. Keep church and state separate.

Naomi Sherer