A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 15.1-21 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to intelligent design in science content standards for elementary and secondary students.
Summary
SB 2355 would require the North Dakota superintendent of public instruction to add “intelligent design” to the state science content standards for elementary, middle, and high school students by August 1, 2027. It also directs the superintendent to provide teachers with instructional materials showing intelligent design as a viable scientific theory for the creation of all life forms, along with in-service training to support its inclusion in science standards.
In practical terms, the bill would change how science is defined and taught in North Dakota public schools by mandating that intelligent design be treated as part of the state’s official science framework. The measure would affect the superintendent of public instruction, curriculum developers, school districts, and classroom teachers, and could influence instructional materials, teacher training, and state science standards for K-12 education.
Impact
The bill would create a new section in chapter 15.1-21 of the North Dakota Century Code and impose a new duty on the superintendent of public instruction to revise state science content standards. It would also require the development and distribution of instructional materials and training related to intelligent design, thereby affecting state education policy, curriculum guidance, and teacher professional development. Because the bill was defeated on second reading, no statutory change took effect.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been controversial and did not receive majority support. On the Senate second reading vote, it failed 22-25, indicating substantial opposition in the chamber. The lack of committee transcript material limits insight into detailed debate, but the vote outcome suggests the proposal did not command broad consensus among senators.
Contention
The central point of contention is whether intelligent design should be included in public school science standards and presented as a viable scientific theory. Supporters of the bill, as reflected by the sponsors, likely viewed it as expanding scientific instruction, while opponents likely objected to its scientific validity and to requiring public schools to teach it as part of the science curriculum. The bill’s mandate for instructional materials and teacher training would also have raised concerns about curriculum control, academic standards, and the separation between science education and religiously affiliated concepts.
A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 15.1-21 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to intelligent design in science content standards for elementary and secondary students.
A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new chapter to title 15.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to authorization of public charter schools.
AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 16.1-10 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to artificial intelligence disclosure statements.