Hutchinson criticized some fundamentalist groups' reliance on polls to push for the teaching of intelligent design. "Polls don't determine science," he said.

The professor also had harsh words for some members of the Oklahoma Legislature.

"We've had to battle textbook disclaimers, bills for intelligent design and academic sunshine laws," he said. "This has become a partisan issue and it shouldn't have."

The only way to ensure that science is taught in the classroom is by continuing to fight the efforts of those who support intelligent design, he said.

"There is room for a discussion of intelligent design in the classroom," he said. "But not as a scientific theory. There are many places were it could be discussed, it's just not science."

And the problem, Hutchinson said, will "only get worse."

"Many science teachers are afraid to teach evolution because of the issues involved," he said. "And I had some tell me that when they do talk about it, students have asked to be excused. We are in the middle of a culture war and I don't think it will ever stop."

M. Scott Carter 366-3545 scarter@normantranscript.com