Four days of hearings on teaching evolution in Kansas came to a bitter end Thursday. The hearings were called by three members of the State Board of Education who favor exposing children to more criticism of Darwin's theory.

A boycott by science groups left the field to witnesses who believe so-called intelligent design is the best explanation for the variety of species.

They were grilled by attorney Pedro Irigonegaray, representing defenders of evolution. Irigonegaray spent two hours yesterday attacking proposals to mention intelligent design in the state's science standards. He also said the board members had failed the children of Kansas, sparking accusations of character assassination.

Board member Connie Morris told the lawyer had had been abusive,
but said she forgives him. A state board of education sub-committee will now examine a written transcript of the hearings. The committee members will present their recommendation to the state board of education at its June meeting.