Texas Board of Education Approves Changes to Social Studies Curriculum

<p>The Texas Board of Education approved changes to the state's high school social studies curriculum, which will affect how students learn about Islam and Christianity. The amendments were finalized after public testimony, with many expressing opposition to the new version.</p><p>The board's approved language states that "radical Islam" motivated the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, rather than focusing on the specific terrorist groups involved. The curriculum also requires students to study early Islam through Prophet Muhammad's military campaigns against Jewish and Christian tribes, the normalization of slavery, and the taking of female captives as harem slaves.</p><p>Several Democratic State Board of Education members opposed the wording, but the Republican-majority board approved the changes. Muslim groups, students, and multiple curriculum experts voiced concerns regarding the new curriculum. Habiiba Quresh, a 15-year-old Muslim student, stated, "I feel attacked, as if my religion doesn’t belong," emphasizing her discomfort with the curriculum's language.</p><p>At least three board-appointed curriculum experts warned against the new language. Andrea Hutchison, a social studies curriculum coordinator for Prosper ISD, argued that the material did not withstand historical scrutiny. Robert Koons, a philosophy professor at UT-Austin, noted that many nonreligious scholars find the claims' sources unreliable and cautioned against including material lacking well-established secular sources.</p><p>The Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations criticized the board's decision, stating it singles out and denigrates Islam while minimizing the realities of slavery and segregation. They emphasized that credible historians do not support the curriculum's portrayal of Islam and called for an education that accurately reflects history.</p><p>State Board of Education Chair Aaron Kinsey defended the revised standards, stating that critics had sensationalized the topics. He expressed confidence in the board's democratic process in making these decisions. Republican school board member Julie Pickren highlighted the significance of the curriculum's approval, noting her long-term involvement in the process.</p><p>The approved curriculum is expected to be phased into classrooms during the 2030-31 school year.</p>