MO HB1587

Creates section 170.335 to permit teachers in Missouri public schools to help students analyze, critique, and review the scientific strengths and weaknesses of biological and chemical evolution in an objective manner.

Directs the State Board of Education, school superintendents, administrators, and principals to create an environment encouraging students to explore scientific questions, develop critical thinking skills, and respectfully discuss controversial issues including evolution.

Prohibits the State Board of Education and other school authorities from preventing teachers from teaching scientific strengths and weaknesses of evolution whenever these subjects are taught in the curriculum.

Specifies that the section protects only the teaching of scientific information and shall not be construed to promote any theistic or nontheistic religious doctrine or discriminate based on religious beliefs.

Requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to notify all public school superintendents of these provisions no later than the start of the 2015-16 school year, with superintendents required to disseminate the section to all school employees.