Texas Education Agency approves new social studies curriculum

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has approved a new social studies curriculum following a majority Republican vote on the State Board of Education. The decision has drawn criticism from educators, Democrats, and Muslim community members who argue the material contains Islamophobic content and an excessive emphasis on Christianity.

The new curriculum includes requirements for students to describe the Prophet Muhammad’s military campaigns as “brutal” and to identify the September 11 terrorist attacks as being “motivated by radical Islam.” Critics also note a lack of content regarding Muslim contributions to science and mathematics. Additionally, the proposed changes will eliminate the sixth-grade world cultures course.

These developments occur amid broader political tensions regarding religious law in the United States, including legislative efforts in Florida and rhetoric from Texas leadership regarding Sharia law.