[Not Insane]

--The instructor was asking the student to give the scientific explanation for the existance of the current forms of life that inhabit the Earth. Belief was not brought into question, only whether the students could demonstrate that they properly understood the subject as taught.--

Actually, that is not correct. The question was:

"How do you think the human species originated?"

And he required a "rooted in science" answer. If you gave the wrong "opinion" you didn't get the letter.

[Aric2000]

SO, and what is wrong with that?

If I say that 2+2=5, I get an F.

If I say that creationism is based in fact, and then say that evolution has no evidence to back it up.

Then I should get an F, because I obviously do not understand science, nor it's basic concepts.

Therefore, I would not deserve a letter. as a matter of fact, I would not deserve to pass the course.

[whattajoke]

Are Too:

If you gave the wrong "opinion" you didn't get the letter.

You must have been a joy as a student...

NI: "Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue in 1392"
Teach: "No, it was in 1492."
NI: "That's your opinion. I know what year I think he sailed in."
Teach: "It is incorrect to end a sentence in a preposition."
NI: "That's your opinion. Grammar isn't important anyway."

And so on. Yes, of course this is an ad hominem but it serves a point.

[Rebel_Ace]

"...Actually, that is not correct. The question was: "How do you think the human species originated?" And he required a "rooted in science" answer. If you gave the wrong "opinion" you didn't get the letter..."

DUH! It was a SCIENCE Class! Of course he wanted an answer "rooted in science"

Assume for a minute that this was an ACCOUNTING class, and the instructor asked:

"How do you think bookkeeping should be done?"

If the student described a system that did not provide for double entry checks and balances, then the instructor would have every right to say:

"It appears you have not properly assimilated the material of this class as taught. I could not in good conscience recommend you for further study as an accountant, unless and until you demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals."

Again, the students were not FAILED, the instructor merely did not write them a letter of recommendation.

I really do not see the problem here, evo or not.