(Aired Weds 3/19/25)
In July 1925 - a century ago this summer - the Scopes Trial was held in Dayton, Tennessee.
On trial: John Scopes, a high school teacher accused of violating a Tennessee law that barred the teaching of evolution in public schools.
William Jennings Bryan, who ran for President three times, argued for the prosecution - while Clarence Darrow defended Scopes.
Today, students in classes here on our campus - the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - are revisiting the trial and its enduring impact.
On Thursday, UTC will host “The Scopes Trial at 100: Reality, Myth, Legacy” - featuring Dr. Edward Larson, author of the book “Summer for the Gods: The Scopes Trial and America’s Continuing Debate Over Science and Religion.”
It begins at 6 PM at the Wolford Family Athletic Center.
John Freeze is adjunct faculty in UTC’s Department of History - and director of the Center for Professional Education on campus.
Michelle Deardorff is the Adolph S. Ochs Professor of Government at UTC.
