Legislators hear testimony on bill requiring intelligent design in science classes

BISMARCK, N.D. — Legislators heard testimony on the bill requiring the teaching of intelligent design in science classes in North Dakota schools.

If passed, SB 2355 would require the teaching of intelligent design alongside evolution in science classes in the state.

Intelligent design argues that life is too complex to have come from evolution.

There were testimonies on both sides of the issue, including testimony from North Dakota State University’s department of biological sciences, who testified in opposition to the bill.

University of Mary Biology Professor David Ronderos testified before the committee as a private citizen to voice his opposition to the bill. He warned that it could lead to students disregarding both faith and science.

“I’ve spent years studying evolution and I am familiar with intelligent design,” Ronderos said. “Mandating ID in the classroom is likely to actually undermine religious belief among students by pitting faith against science, and depicting God as a competitor against natural causes rather than their author.”

There was some surprising testimony from the North Dakota Catholic Conference who gave neutral testimony on the bill. They requested that it be amended so private schools would be exempt.

The committee made no motions for or against the bill.