Is it a good thing that the AAS elevates "Intelligent Design" to the level of scientific discussion?

If "Intelligent Design" is used as an excuse to not teach children the Principle of Natural Selection (Evolution) and replace it with literal belief in the book of Genesis then "Intelligent Design" is a very bad thing indeed. However I have no real quarrel with debating whether or not the universe was an artifact and the Principle of Natural Selection was part of a designer's plan. Although I'm an agnostic, I have no real issues with Deism. I only get annoyed when a special interest group insists upon training my kids in religious superstition at my (a taxpayer's) expense.

Gary