A proposal by the Institute for Creation Research to offer online master’s degrees in science education was rejected today by a committee of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The full board will vote on the proposal on Thursday. According to the Associated Press, it’s likely that the board will ratify the committee’s recommendation.

A lawyer for the institute argued that it was a matter of free speech and indicated that the institute may take legal action, according to The Dallas Morning News. The group’s mission, according to its Web site, is to provide “evidence of the Bible’s accuracy and authority through scientific research, educational programs, and media presentations, all conducted within a thoroughly biblical framework.” —Thomas Bartlett