Restoring Creationism in Tennessee Schools
Nov 13, 2026 by FACT
In 1925, House Bill 185 made it unlawful for any publicly funded school “to teach any theory that denies the story of the Divine Creation of man as taught in the Bible, and to teach instead that man has descended from a lower order of animals.” Violators faced fines ranging from $100 to $500.
That summer, Dayton teacher John Scopes was convicted under the Butler Act and fined $100 for teaching the theory of evolution to students. On appeal, the Tennessee Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the law, though it set aside Scopes' fine on a procedural technicality.
A century after the Scopes trial, the educational landscape in Tennessee has completely reversed: evolution is now standard curriculum, while the Genesis account has been entirely banned from public schools. This is a tragic disservice to Tennessee students, and we want to change that.
Restoring the teaching of creationism will be one of FACT’s primary legislative goals for the 2027 Legislative Session.
At FACT, we believe every child deserves to learn the truth about the origins of the earth and humanity, regardless of the school they attend. For twelve years, Tennessee students are taught that human life is merely the result of a cosmic accident, or a “Big Bang.” We know that couldn’t be further from the truth. Each person in this world was divinely created with a unique purpose and made in the image of God.
These foundational truths shape children’s understanding of morality, human value, and their role in society. Excluding the Genesis account from curricula deprives students of a worldview that will positively impact them for the rest of their lives.
We advocate for the biblical account of creation not merely because it is scriptural, but because it is the truth. Additionally, students shouldn’t be shielded from alternative perspectives and beliefs – they should be presented with all evidence and given the tools they need to form well-rounded, informed opinions. Ultimately, the goal of education is to foster critical thinking and prepare students for adulthood – an objective that cannot be achieved if schools refuse to allow open debate on something as fundamental as the origins of humanity.
The Bible remains one of the most historically vetted and influential texts in human history, and its foundational principles should not be systematically excluded from our schools. Over 20 years ago, the late Voddie Baucham delivered a powerful sermon on why he chose to believe the Bible – it’s an incredibly informative message that is well worth watching if you have any questions on the topic. Click here to watch.
For these reasons and many more, FACT is preparing to draft and advance legislation to restore creationism to publicly funded classrooms. We estimate that drafting, advocating for, and passing this measure will require at least $25,000 in funding.
Will you prayerfully consider supporting this effort before lawmakers convene in Nashville this January? A contribution of $25, $50, $100, or more directly advances our mission to bring the truth of creation back to Tennessee schools.
Thank you for standing with us. Your support helps foster a culture where faith is honored, life is cherished, and religious freedom is protected. We are deeply grateful for your partnership in this vital work.
That summer, Dayton teacher John Scopes was convicted under the Butler Act and fined $100 for teaching the theory of evolution to students. On appeal, the Tennessee Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the law, though it set aside Scopes' fine on a procedural technicality.
A century after the Scopes trial, the educational landscape in Tennessee has completely reversed: evolution is now standard curriculum, while the Genesis account has been entirely banned from public schools. This is a tragic disservice to Tennessee students, and we want to change that.
Restoring the teaching of creationism will be one of FACT’s primary legislative goals for the 2027 Legislative Session.
At FACT, we believe every child deserves to learn the truth about the origins of the earth and humanity, regardless of the school they attend. For twelve years, Tennessee students are taught that human life is merely the result of a cosmic accident, or a “Big Bang.” We know that couldn’t be further from the truth. Each person in this world was divinely created with a unique purpose and made in the image of God.
“Then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.” – Genesis 2:7
“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” – Colossians 1:16
“For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.”
– Psalm 139:13-14
“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” – Colossians 1:16
“For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.”
– Psalm 139:13-14
These foundational truths shape children’s understanding of morality, human value, and their role in society. Excluding the Genesis account from curricula deprives students of a worldview that will positively impact them for the rest of their lives.
We advocate for the biblical account of creation not merely because it is scriptural, but because it is the truth. Additionally, students shouldn’t be shielded from alternative perspectives and beliefs – they should be presented with all evidence and given the tools they need to form well-rounded, informed opinions. Ultimately, the goal of education is to foster critical thinking and prepare students for adulthood – an objective that cannot be achieved if schools refuse to allow open debate on something as fundamental as the origins of humanity.
The Bible remains one of the most historically vetted and influential texts in human history, and its foundational principles should not be systematically excluded from our schools. Over 20 years ago, the late Voddie Baucham delivered a powerful sermon on why he chose to believe the Bible – it’s an incredibly informative message that is well worth watching if you have any questions on the topic. Click here to watch.
For these reasons and many more, FACT is preparing to draft and advance legislation to restore creationism to publicly funded classrooms. We estimate that drafting, advocating for, and passing this measure will require at least $25,000 in funding.
Will you prayerfully consider supporting this effort before lawmakers convene in Nashville this January? A contribution of $25, $50, $100, or more directly advances our mission to bring the truth of creation back to Tennessee schools.
Thank you for standing with us. Your support helps foster a culture where faith is honored, life is cherished, and religious freedom is protected. We are deeply grateful for your partnership in this vital work.
