BRUNSWICK, Maine — The American Civil Liberties Union of Maine has sent a complaint to the Brunswick school system, saying a fifth-grade teacher discussed creationism and intelligent design in his science class.
The ACLU's letter, dated March 27, alleges that Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School teacher Lou Sullivan "under the guise of educating students about "astronomy,' ... improperly injected his religious doctrine into his science lessons" in violation of the U.S. Constitution.
The letter says the school department could be held liable for the teacher's "blatantly unlawful actions."
The Portland Press Herald reports that the ACLU was alerted by a parent.
Superintendent Paul Perzanoski denied the ACLU's allegation and said the 26-year veteran teacher was just responding to a question from a student who asked Sullivan about his personal beliefs.