Texas Board of Education approves controversial social studies curriculum

Texas State Board of Education social studies curriculum radical Islam September 11 attacks educational standards

The Texas State Board of Education has approved significant revisions to the high school social studies curriculum, covering U.S. history, government, and world geography. The changes have drawn intense criticism from Muslim advocacy groups, students, and curriculum experts.

A central component of the new standards requires students to identify the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks as being motivated by “radical Islam.” The curriculum also directs students to study early Islam through Prophet Muhammad’s “brutal military campaigns” against Jewish and Christian tribes, as well as the “normalization of slavery” and the use of “harem slaves.”

The Republican-majority board approved the measures following hours of public testimony. While many speakers, including Democratic board members and students, expressed opposition, the board moved forward with the changes. Curriculum experts, including Andrea Hutchison, raised concerns that the material does not hold up to historical scrutiny.

Entities

Andrea Hutchison · Habiiba Quresh · Prophet Muhammad · Robert Koons · Texas · Texas State Board of Education

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Curriculum expert Andrea Hutchison argued the material does not hold up to close historical scrutiny. freerepublic.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The curriculum requires students to identify the September 11, 2001, attacks as being motivated by radical Islam. americanfaith.com · www.lifezette.com · freerepublic.com · offthepress.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The Texas State Board of Education approved new high school social studies curriculum revisions. americanfaith.com · www.lifezette.com · freerepublic.com · offthepress.com
[● 4 SOURCES] Students will study Prophet Muhammad's 'brutal military campaigns' against Jewish and Christian tribes. www.lifezette.com · freerepublic.com · americanfaith.com · offthepress.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The Republican-majority board approved the changes following hours of public testimony. www.lifezette.com · freerepublic.com · offthepress.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The curriculum includes material on the 'normalization of slavery' and the use of 'harem slaves.' www.lifezette.com · freerepublic.com · offthepress.com