Since the Scopes Monkey trial in the 1920s, debate and controversy has surrounded the argument of whether to teach creationism or evolution in the classroom.

More than 80 years later, the bickering continues between creationism and evolution as a Dallas-based group, the Institute for Creation Research, is trying to make a bid for a graduate-level creation science degree though online courses.

Scientists are in the right by objecting to this proposal. Charles Darwin’s research regarding evolution and natural selection has been a topic of controversy for years, but the work was also a momentous discovery and his findings should not only be studied but appreciated.

The founder of the institute trying to undermine the work of scientists who support evolution, Henry M. Morris, claims there is science that supports a creationist environment.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board will vote today regarding its stance on allowing a master’s degree in creation science from the institute.

Although the institute’s Web site claims its students “receive a rigorous and thorough education in the sciences,” the Texas Commissioner of Higher Education, Raymund Paredes, feels that the Christian organization using the Bible as the foundation for its master’s degree is not a solid enough basis for a different science program.

The higher education board should be commended for their actions to bring this issue to a vote instead of letting a group use its own agenda to decide what is a justified master’s degree program.

Raymund Paredes sees the flaws in the Institution for Creation Research’s plan. The cliche of separation of church and state should extend to higher education and his recommendation to stop the program is the decision that should be upheld.