By Staff Writer, Armig Boghigian

How did humans, animals, and plants come into existence? The only explanation you will find in public school textbooks is the theory of evolution.

No scientific provable evidence supporting the theory has emerged since Charles Darwin popularized it back in 1859. Even so, it is taught in schools while its polar opposite, religion, is not.

The alternative theory as to how everything was created, in religious terminology, is known as creationism, the creation of all things by a divine being.

When juxtaposing the theories of evolution and creationism, conflicts on how the universe came into existence emerge. This difference of values and beliefs has caused many debates in schools according to usatoday.com.

Many parents argue that high school students are generally susceptible to influence, especially while in school.

“It is discouraging that schools go against what we teach our kids,” said Armine Baltanyan. “I think both beliefs should be taught.”

The fear of this influence has caused a number of people to take action, such as organizing protests. In Kansas, the teaching of evolution in schools has been banned altogether.

“This is about protecting the integrity of all creation,” Kansas Congressman Bob Bethell said to Time magazine.

Some opponents have made an alternate scientific theory, called “intelligent design,” to ease the constant dispute between the two beliefs.

Intelligent design, which came about in 1987, states that Darwin’s theory of evolution is in fact, true. However, the complexity of all living things is evidence for the existence of a cosmic designer, a divine being.

But are such extreme means necessary? Some teachers don’t think so.

“I present the material on the theory of evolution as it is known to be,” biology teacher Cohen said. “It is up to the student to decide whether they want to accept it as such. It has never been an issue with any of my students in the past.”