Garrett backs lessons on intelligent design.

Byline: Kathleen Carroll

Sep. 30--Rep. Scott Garrett is calling on school boards throughout New Jersey to include lessons on intelligent design alongside evolution, on the heels of a Pennsylvania court case on the issue.

"Evolution is the predominant theory right now," said Garrett, R-Wantage. "[But] intelligent design is one that is apparently growing in some scientific communities, in academia. -- It seems that a school board should at least consider being tolerant and open to discussing both theories."

Beyond expressing his views, the congressman said he would not advocate for a law mandating changes to the state curriculum. Last month, President Bush offered a similar view, urging local communities to consider teaching intelligent design, but shying away from intervening at the federal level.

In New Jersey, students must master some concepts of the theory …