CREATION VS. EVOLUTION SCIENCE PROJECT TRIGGERS DISPUTE.

Byline: Amy Raisin Staff Writer

VALENCIA - A sixth-grader's science project on creationism versus evolution - and the school district's decision to alter it - angered some parents, who said the boy's First Amendment rights were violated.

Joshua Lunetta's cardboard project at Meadows School featured a creationism side, which included a Bible, writings and a emblem of a ``Truth'' fish eating a ``Darwin'' fish.

The evolution side featured a stuffed toy monkey and a naked G.I. Joe action figure under the words ``Monkey Business,'' as well as a book titled ``Refuting Evolution.''

``It was not acceptable. It was derogatory toward evolution,'' said Marc Winger, superintendent of the Newhall School District. ``The principal had some tough judgments to make and told the student it needed more balance.''

The boy's father, Steven Lunetta, said the school approved the project after Joshua removed the toys and amended some elements, but claimed that the school altered it further after the parties had agreed on the changes.

``First they told us it was too religious, then they said it needed more balance,'' said Lunetta. ``Creationism is a science and what (Josh) was doing was presenting an alternative theory.

``We feel that the district is plugging their ears and looking at this as the dogma,'' he said. ``My son presented something that was his idea and it was changed and altered.''

Lunetta and a friend presented their concerns to the school board at a recent meeting and said they are still unclear whether Joshua will be allowed to present his project again.

Winger recognized that students are free to express their religious beliefs in their school work, but objected to the religious implications submitted for a science project.

``Children have a right to express religion, but this was brought under the heading of science,'' he said. ``The distinction here is pretty clear - the courts have said school districts cannot teach this concept.

``We teach evolution because it's part of the California curriculum,'' Winger said, adding that religious subject matter is often more relevant in social studies, literature and comparative religious studies.

In a written response to Lunetta's concerns, Winger said the story of creation is ``first and foremost a religious belief grounded in Biblical text.

``While teachers do not and will not teach creation science in the Newhall School District, student-generated reports that include creation science as a scientific theory present a `gray' area for teachers and administrators,'' the letter read.

Rich Fandre addressed the board with Lunetta and said he disagreed with the district's handling of the ``gray area.''

``We believe that you have to have more faith to believe evolution than you do to believe in creation,'' Fandre said. ``There's really no way to test it, so all we're saying is be truthful in considering another way.''

Lunetta, who holds a master's degree in chemistry, said even with his decades of work in the science field he cannot accept the theory of evolution as accurate.

``We're born-again Christians (but) we weren't trying to shove religion down anyone's throat at all. But if something isn't true or isn't right, the Newhall School District should have the strength of character to challenge it,'' Lunetta said.

Winger agreed that some teacher instruction would be beneficial to avoid confusion or controversy in the future.

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Photo:

(color) Steve Lunetta is hidden behind his son's class project on creationism vs. evolution, which school officials asked be removed.

David R. Crane/Staff Photographer