Texas curriculum change will portray Islam as 'radical' and 'brutal'

The Texas State Board of Education has approved a revised social studies curriculum that will depict Islam in a negative light, describing it as "radical" and "brutal", according to an announcement made on Friday. After hearing testimony from hundreds of individuals, the board consisting of Republicans voted 8-4 to adopt the changes.

The new curriculum will impact approximately five million students across the state. The shift in focus will commence in the 2030-2031 academic year when updated textbooks are introduced. The curriculum will prioritize teaching Bible passages, emphasizing Christianity's positive aspects, while describing early Islamic military campaigns as "brutal."

This portrayal will contrast with how Christian wars are presented. Furthermore, the teaching of early Islam will focus on aspects such as slavery and female captives. The 9/11 terrorist attacks, orchestrated by Saudi hijackers and primarily orchestrated by al-Qaeda, will be attributed to "radical Islam" rather than political motivations or agendas. The decision has been met with criticism from various quarters.