Topeka ? A nonprofit group that contends science standards for Kansas public schools promote atheism has appealed a federal judge’s dismissal of its lawsuit against the guidelines.

Citizens for Objective Public Education went Tuesday to the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver, along with parents and taxpayers opposed to the standards.

They’re seeking to overturn a decision earlier this month by U.S. District Judge Daniel Crabtree rejecting their claim that the standards violate the religious freedoms of students and parents.

Crabtree ruled that the opponents of the standards did not allege specific enough injuries from their adoption last year by the State Board of Education’s to allow the lawsuit to proceed.

The guidelines treat both evolution and climate change as key scientific concepts to be taught starting in kindergarten.