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Four days of hearings have begun about the way students in Kansas schools are taught about life's origins.

Some want to discredit Darwin's theory of evolution, and wish for the criticism of the theory to be taught as well.

According to AP,

Science groups are boycotting the hearings, held by a Board of Education subcommittee, because they view them as being rigged against evolution. The board could revise its science standards in June to include both the theory of evolution and criticism of it.

Many scientists fear that the board will follow recommendations from advocates of "intelligent design" in adopting standards critical of evolution. Conservatives hold a majority on the 10-member board.

BOE chairman and former state GOP chairman, Steve Abrams is spearheading the effort. He says that he doesn't want religion in the classroom, but supports empirical science.

Abrams' intentions have been criticized.

Republican board member, Sue Gamble said, "He throws out what looks like a scientific definition that makes sense and it absolutely does not."

"Just because Steve Abrams says it's so doesn't mean it's so," added Gamble.

Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania have had similar issues in their schools in recent years.

In 1987, the Supreme Court ruled that creationism was not allowed to be taught in tandem with evolution.

Chris is a staff writer for WebProNews. Visit WebProNews for the latest ebusiness news.