Many evolutionary biologists argue that the best defense against creationist theory is no defense—that to recognize the creationist viewpoint is, in a sense, to legitimize it. Recent vigorous and vocal campaigns on behalf of creationism in more than 15 states in the past two years, however, demonstrate that it is politically naïve to suppose that if the issue is ignored, it will go away. If anything, at a time when school boards are vulnerable to criticism, pro-evolutionists may stand to lose by not letting their positions be known. Already in six states, either by legislation or other regulation, some form of recognition of creationism is required (Weinberg, 1980). This article was first published in April, 1981.