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Fight the Texas Textbook Takeover!

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April 22, 2010

Last week, we told you about the Texas State Board of Education's (SBOE) plan to amend the state's social studies curriculum so it comports with the personal ideological and religious beliefs of some members of the board.

Because Texas purchases tens of millions of textbooks every year, it has a huge influence on the content of textbooks used all over the country. In fact, between 45 and 47 states use textbooks based on Texas' curriculum. So these board members' ideologically narrow view of the world won't just harm Texas public school kids, it has the potential to harm kids nationwide.

Among the actions taken by the SBOE:

  • voted down an amendment that would have required students to examine why our Founding Fathers insisted on the separation of church and state,
  • downplayed the role slavery played as a contributing factor to the cause of the Civil War
  • emphasized the contributions of members of the Confederate States of America

A 30-day comment period is underway—and everyone in America is invited to give their input. First, to learn how much you know about the Texas Textbook Takeover. Then to let them know what you think of this rewriting of history.

Learn More About the Issues on This Page