Short Wave: Evolution Went On Trial 100 Years Ago. Where Are We Now?

Released on July 9, 2025, "Short Wave" by NPR delves into the centennial reflections of the infamous Scopes Monkey Trial, exploring its historical significance, long-term impacts on education and society, and its enduring relevance in contemporary scientific and cultural debates. Hosted by Regina Barber and featuring insights from NPR Science Correspondent Nell Greenfeld Boyce, the episode offers a comprehensive examination of how the trial continues to influence discussions around evolution, education, and belief systems.

1. Introduction to the Scopes Trial

Regina Barber opens the episode by referencing the classic play and film adaptation of the Scopes Trial, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the actual historical events.

Regina Barber [00:13]: "Today we're going to start with a famous play called Inherit the Wind. Maybe you read it in high school or saw the classic movie made in 1960."

She introduces the central event—the trial of John Scopes, a teacher accused of violating Tennessee's Butler Act by teaching human evolution.

Regina Barber [00:56]: "The movie is about the so-called Scopes monkey trial, which happened 100 years ago this week. Tennessee state law prohibited teaching human evolution and a teacher named John Scopes was put on trial for violating that law."

2. The Cultural Divide of 1925

NPR Science Correspondent Nell Greenfeld Boyce provides context about the societal tensions leading up to the trial.

Nell Greenfeld Boyce [01:15]: "I think in 1925, the nation really felt culturally divided and it kind of coalesced into this one trial happening in the town of Dayton, Tennessee."

She emphasizes that the trial was a microcosm of the broader cultural and ideological conflicts of the time, many of which persist today.

Nell Greenfeld Boyce [01:46]: "I think the Scopes trial is still well known today. But now it's kind of like folklore. I mean, the reality of the trial doesn't always match up with what people think they know."

3. The Butler Act and Its Implications

The episode delves into the specifics of the law that set the stage for the trial.

Nell Greenfeld Boyce [03:46]: "The law was the Butler Act and it outlawed teaching, '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.'"

Regina clarifies that the prohibition was specifically against teaching human evolution, not the evolution of other animals.

Regina Barber [04:00]: "So I guess that means, like, you could teach about, like other animal evolution, just not humans."

4. William Jennings Bryan's Role

The episode highlights the influence of William Jennings Bryan, a key figure opposing the teaching of evolution.

Nell Greenfeld Boyce [04:06]: "For Bryan, the key thing was divine creation."

Bryan's stance was rooted in his belief in humans being created in the image of God, which fueled his opposition to evolutionary theory in education.

Ken Miller [04:22]: "As a Christian, he believed it was essential that humans were created in the image of God."

5. The Manufactured Nature of the Trial

Contrary to popular portrayals, the Scopes Trial was largely orchestrated for publicity and as a test case by the newly formed American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Nell Greenfeld Boyce [05:16]: "This whole deal was a completely contrived event... some town leaders in Dayton saw that and they thought, well, why not get some publicity for our town?"

John Scopes himself was aware of the orchestrated nature and agreed to participate under specific conditions.

John Scopes [06:04]: "But had you taught at my school? Well, I had taught a class in biology for about three or four weeks."

Ken Miller [06:38]: "Scopes had never taught evolution. Nobody thought he did."

6. The Trial as a Public Spectacle

Regina Barber and Nell Greenfeld Boyce discuss how the trial was more a public debate than a traditional legal proceeding, attracting nationwide attention.

Nell Greenfeld Boyce [07:11]: "Larson told me the nation was riveted. At one point, the judge moved the proceedings out into the courthouse lawn because of the heat and the crowds."

The trial featured prominent figures like Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan, whose oratory skills captivated the public.

Ken Miller [07:02]: "You had two magnificent orators in, Bryan and Darrow making their arguments, backed up by a legion of supporters who are also articulate on both sides."

7. Misconceptions and Immediate Aftermath

Contrary to the dramatized version in Inherit the Wind, the actual trial swiftly concluded with Scopes being found guilty, and neither side achieved a clear victory.

Ken Miller [07:35]: "Oh, that Scopes won. That's the biggest misconception."

Nell Greenfeld Boyce [07:44]: "In reality, it took the jury less than 10 minutes to find him guilty."

Despite the sensational nature of the trial, evolution was effectively removed from Tennessee schools for decades thereafter.

8. Long-Term Impact on Education

The episode traces the ebb and flow of evolution's presence in American education post-Scopes Trial, highlighting key milestones and ongoing controversies.

Nell Greenfeld Boyce [08:15]: "A couple did, but really it was more just like, you know, look, I mean, if you were a textbook publisher trying to sell books, would you want to touch this issue?"

Ken Miller discusses efforts to reinforce the teaching of evolution in biology textbooks.

Ken Miller [09:34]: "He and his co-authors stuck to their guns, and the book proved to be very popular, although it did still get embroiled in a couple of court cases, like in 2005 and 2006."

9. Contemporary Relevance and Public Opinion

The conversation shifts to the present-day landscape, assessing public acceptance of evolution and the lingering pockets of resistance.

Nell Greenfeld Boyce [10:45]: "But there's still a minority that doesn't buy it."

A recent Pew Research Center poll indicates that 17% of U.S. adults reject the notion that humans have existed in their present form since the beginning of time.

Nell Greenfeld Boyce [10:50]: "The Pew Research Center had a poll out earlier this year. It found that 17% of U.S. adults believe that humans have existed in their present form since the beginning of time."

10. The Broader Spectrum of Controversial Science Topics

Regina Barber and Nell Greenfeld Boyce draw parallels between the evolution debate and other contentious scientific issues like transgender rights, climate change, and vaccines, emphasizing the deep-rooted ideological divides that complicate public discourse.

Nell Greenfeld Boyce [12:45]: "I do feel like I should say that some people, lots of people, see no conflict between their religion and evolution."

Regina Barber [12:05]: "I feel like today evolution is kind of more on the back burner in the sense that, like, other issues have taken up a lot more public attention."

11. Looking Ahead: The Legacy of the Scopes Trial

The episode concludes with reflections on the enduring legacy of the Scopes Trial and its implications for future scientific and cultural debates.

Nell Greenfeld Boyce [12:33]: "And, you know, the public can feel very divided, kind of hopelessly divided on these issues. It’s hard for one side to, you know, talk to or understand the other."

Regina Barber [12:54]: "It definitely does. And, like, if there's another big case like this in the future on any of these scientific issues, we'll expect you to come back and cover it for us."

Nell Greenfeld Boyce humorously muses about the possibility of future trials shaping public understanding, underlining the timeless nature of such societal debates.

Nell Greenfeld Boyce [12:54]: "I'm trying to imagine who the popular figures would be on each side that would make arguments. But I will cover it, and then I will turn my coverage into a movie script. That is my plan."

Produced by Rachel Carlson and edited by Rebecca Ramirez, this episode of "Short Wave" provides a nuanced exploration of the Scopes Trial's centenary, offering listeners a rich understanding of its historical context, immediate outcomes, and lasting influence on American society and education.