John T. Scopes

John T. Scopes was a high school teacher in Tennessee who became famous for his trial in 1925, known as the Scopes Monkey Trial. He was charged with violating a state law that banned teaching evolution in public schools, which many saw as a debate between scientific understanding and religious beliefs. The trial drew national attention, highlighting conflicts over education, science, and religion. Scopes was convicted, but the case fueled ongoing discussions about academic freedom and the role of religion in public education.