Exactly 98 years ago the theory of evolution was banned from being taught in schools. How long did the ban last?

It was the first ban on the teaching of evolution in the United States. Its consequence was the famous “monkey trial,” an action that has received much description, analysis and speculation in the United States.

Outdoor proceedings on July 20, 1925 — [Photo: Smithsonian Institution from United States; Beyond My Ken (talk) 01:35, 4 August 2017 (UTC), No restrictions, via Wikimedia Commons]

It is forbidden to “teach any theory that contradicts the story of God’s creation of man as taught in the Bible.” That was the law passed on March 13, 1925, with a fine of $100 to $500 for violation.

How did the ban come about?

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) decided to use the ban on teaching evolution to gain publicity. Its members believed it was incompatible with the U.S. Constitution, which stipulates a strict separation of state and religion. Only the Supreme Court could have ruled on it — but for that, it was necessary that a case for violating a law passed in Tennessee be brought to its docket first. That is, someone would have to intentionally break the law by teaching the theory of evolution.

So the Union placed an ad in the Chattanooga Daily Times of May 4, 1925, that it was looking for a teacher who would give himself up for prosecution. The volunteer was promised the help of lawyers and no unpleasant consequences. Several…