What event publicly debated the subject of evolution and creationism and their place in education?

Several events have addressed this issue.

As far as legal debates you could argue that it was the basis for the scopes monkey trial.

More recently, there was a legal battle in Dover, Pennsylvania over the validity of "Intelligent Design" as science. It was ruled that "Intelligent Design" is a rebranding of "creationism", which has 2 issues rendering it inappropriate for a science class.

1. It is a religious view.

2. It is not supported by any scientific evidence.

Therefore, creationism may only be taught in public schools as a philosophical belief.