Texas education board approves controversial new social studies curriculum for public high schools

Texas Approves New High School Social Studies Guidelines

The Texas State Board of Education approved new social studies curriculum guidelines for public high schools. Changes are expected to begin phasing in during the 2030 school year. Districts will decide many instructional details but must follow state requirements.

Debate Over Islam in the Curriculum

The most contentious debate concerned how Islam is presented. The curriculum will describe early Islamic campaigns against Jewish and Christian groups as “brutal” and say the September 11 attacks were motivated by “radical Islam,” without naming specific terrorist organizations.

Supporters argued that the wording gives students important historical context. Critics said broad phrasing could wrongly associate Islam as a whole with terrorism and urged the board to be more precise. The board also declined speakers’ requests to include positive contributions by Muslim leaders.

Samiha Rizvi of the Council on American-Islamic Relations said classroom materials should reflect Texas’s diverse population. The report noted that Governor Greg Abbott designated CAIR a terrorist group, a designation the organization disputes and is challenging in court.

Related Curriculum Changes

In June, Texas approved changes to its K–8 curriculum, including a required list of readings containing Bible stories.

Presenters and Contributors

• Reporter: Pooja Lodhia
• Quoted contributor: Samiha Rizvi