A Kansas Republican who is an open opponent to evolution theory is the sole candidate for a top National Association of State Boards of Education post.
Kansas insurance executive Kenneth R. Willard is currently running unopposed for the national association's president-elect post and his repeated opposition to the theory of evolution has many evolution advocates concerned, The New York Times said Saturday.
"We are in a nationwide struggle for the integrity of science education," said Kenneth R. Miller, a Brown University professor and evolution proponent, "and any situation that provides an opportunity for the opponents of science education to advance their agenda is a matter of concern."
Willard's only opponent in the race dropped out recently for personal reasons.
The Washington-based association represents several U.S. school boards dealing with education policies.
The newspaper said that if elected in July, Willard would begin serving in January 2009.
Copyright 2007 by United Press International
