tudents in Oklahoma public schools would be informed whenever they open up a science textbook that life and the universe were created by a deity, at least if the state House of Representatives has its way.

   On Wednesday, representatives unanimously approved an amendment to Senate Bill 1139 giving the state's official textbook committee -- the agency charged with evaluating all texts used in Oklahoma public schools -- the authority to insert the reminder in all approved science books. Introduced by Rep. Jim Reese (R-Nardin), the proposal states:

   "When adopting science textbooks, the Committee shall ensure that the textbooks include acknowledgment that human life was created by one God of the Universe."

   Dubbed the "God Amendment" in a critical editorial in today's Tulsa World newspaper, the measure is the latest controversy focusing on the State Textbook Committee. Last year, the appointed body sparked controversy when some members attempted to require that publishers of biology texts place a disclaimer in all books stating that evolution was a theory, and that students should consider other explanations of how life and the universe may have originated. Oklahoma State Attorney General Drew Edmondson, however, issued a written opinion stating that the committee lacked the legal authority to compel publishers to issue such disclaimers.

   The committee has also divided over the use of specific texts, particularly in the state's science curriculum. In February, several religious fundamentalists on the board attempted to pass the disclaimer rule, and also rejected several leading texts including "Fearson's Biology," "Biology Principles And Explorations," and "Holt Biology: Visualizing Life." Sandy Garrett, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, told the Tulsa World newspaper that she could not recall a time when the textbook committee had rejected so many books.

   Wednesday's amendment came in the midst of debate over Senate Bill 1139, introduced by Rep. Barbara Stagges (D-Muskogee). It would place some limits on the governor's discretionary appointment powers by requiring that two of the four members of the Textbook Committee who are named each year to the group be certified elementary school teachers, and that two others be certified secondary teachers.

   Critics of Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating charge that he is attempting to "pack" the State Textbook Committee with religious fundamentalists. Keating will have the opportunity to appoint seven new members -- more than half of the committee's membership --this month, a prospect that distresses many educators throughout the state. The appointments will fill not only periodic vacancies, but openings due to resignations from the board. Some fear that with the debate over evolution in Oklahoma science classrooms, students are getting a less-than-complete education in life sciences, and that the state is becoming a laughing stock.

   Taking aim at the "God Amendment," The Tulsa World editorialized:

"It (evolution) is, of course, a scientific theory that most scientists accept as basic fact. Even the pope and the Catholic Church view evolution as fact, albeit not developed in every detail.

"But for biblical literalists -- Oklahoma remains perhaps the capital of biblical fundamentalism -- the idea that God might have created the universe over billions of years and through the incremental method of evolution is anathema. To them, it is to deny God.

"So lawmakers know that a vote against saying that God created the universe won't play well in the fall elections, no matter if it were to be put in a science book..."

   Phil Bacharach, a spokesman for the governor's office, told reporters that new appointments to the Textbook Committee will be those who "support the governor's education reform program."

"GOD AMENDMENT" ON SHAKY LEGAL GROUNDS?

   The House amendment now goes to the state Senate where it will likely find substantial support. The provision requiring an acknowledgment of "God" as a creator, though, may not withstand legal scrutiny. Rep. Reese told reporters that his amendment is not a violation of the separation of government and religion, and added: "We are able to say we are one nation under God ... I would have a hard time believing it would be a violation of church and state."

   Reese cited evidence of links between government and religious belief, including references to God on currency, the walls of the Supreme Court building, and the Lincoln Memorial.

   Legal experts, though, don't share the representative's confidence.

   Stephen Feldman, professor of law at the University of Tulsa said, "The U.S. Supreme Court has been very inconsistent in dealing with establishing religion. But for the most part, the court has been very sensitive to situations regarding school children." He cited high court rulings against various school prayer and "moment of silence" schemes, as well as attempts to display the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. "There is a reasonable chance," he added, "that this (Oklahoma amendment) would be declared unconstitutional."

   Religion-based censorship, though, may be extended beyond just the creation-evolution debate and the content of Oklahoma science texts. Along with the "God Amendment," the House also voted 87-9 on behalf of another measure introduced by Rep. John Wright (R-Broken Arrow), which would give the Textbook Committee the authority to insert similar notices up to one page in length in any school book.

   The bill and its amendments now head back to the Senate for work by a conference committee. Meanwhile, the next meeting of the State Textbook Committee is slated for June 9. That meeting should reflect the new appointments expected to be made by the governor.

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