Ben Stein tackles evolution debate

LOS ANGELES, March 10 (UPI) -- U.S. actor and author Ben Stein co-wrote and stars in a new documentary about the backlash proponents of intelligent design suffer in academic circles.

"Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed," which takes a look at how teachers and scientists who consider options other than evolution are treated, is set to open April 18.

"Ben realizes that he has been 'Expelled,' and that educators and scientists are being ridiculed, denied tenure and even fired -- for the 'crime' of merely believing that there might be evidence of 'design' in nature, and that perhaps life is not just the result of accidental, random chance. To which Ben says: 'Enough!' And then gets busy," said a description of the film featured on the movie's Web site.