WBRZ - Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE - A Baton Rouge high school senior led a rally to push for repeal of the Louisiana Science Education Act, which critics say can be used to promote creationism in schools.

About three dozen people, organized by student Zack Kopplin, rallied Thursday on the Capitol steps.

The Louisiana Science Education Act of 2008 allows public school science teachers to use supplemental materials in their classrooms beyond state-approved textbooks. Supporters say the law was designed to promote critical thinking and strengthen education. Opponents call it a veiled attempt to sneak religion into science classes

Democratic Senator Karen Carter Peterson, of New Orleans, has filed legislation to do away with the law. Kopplin gathered signatures from more than 40 Nobel Prize-winning scientists, urging repeal.

Republican Governor Bobby Jindal opposes Peterson's bill.