When it comes to evolution, teachers are often compelled to give a one-sided presentation.

In most secular colleges and universities, evolution is taught as the origin of man. But teaching the theory can be hazardous to those who don't believe it is fact.

Just ask Kevin Haley. Even though he doesn't believe in evolution, he gladly teaches biology students at Central Oregon Community College all about it.

"Its faults become really clear and students start seeing how evolution really isn't as real as people say it is," Haley said.

But when students started questioning the theory and talking to Haley, outside of class, about his beliefs, college administrators refused to renew his contract for next year.

"I was told that when students leave this institution believing evolution, they would be happy with that," Haley said. "I told them that I wasn't going to do that--that we're going to teach science here, instead of indoctrinating people with this belief system of evolution."

Dr. Forrest Tierson, who agrees with evolution theory and teaches it at a different college, said personal belief should not be a requirement to teach.

"I think if you can do a fair job of presenting the evolutionary theory that it's not a problem," Tierson said.

According to Dr. Phillip Johnson, author of "Darwin on Trial," schools should require more than a fair presentation: They should demand honesty.

"Teach what the mainstream scientists believe and teach why it's controversial," Johnson advised.

Dr. Haley, meantime, has decided not to challenge his employer in court.

Citizenlink