The University of California can deny credit for high school courses [1] that emphasize religious teachings over historic or scientific explanations, according to a federal judge. Yesterday's ruling upheld UC admission standards that do not recognize curriculum that declares the Bible infallible or that rejects evolution. The losing Christian schools and students will appeal the decision. Here are each side's positions:

The High Schools:

• Denying credit is an attempt to secularize private religious schools.
• It also violates freedom of expression and freedom of religion.

University of California:

• The rejected material omits crucial topics in science and history.
• UC is applying blanket admission standards without regard to religion.
• UC has approved inclusive textbooks like Biology: God's Living Creation.

Course texts rejected include Biology for Christian Schools, whose first page says, "If (scientific) conclusions contradict the Word of God, the conclusions are wrong," and text published by Bob Jones University that, "instructs that the Bible is the unerring source for analysis of historical events." The UC attorney says, "We evaluate the courses to see whether they prepare these kids to come to college at UC."

Is it an attempt to secularize private religious schools? Whose side are you on?

Source [2]