Texas Votes on Islam in History Class | Austin News

Texas is poised to vote on sweeping new high school social studies standards this Friday, sparking fierce debate over how Islam—and other religions and cultures—are portrayed. State Rep. Salman Bhojani criticizes the draft for spotlighting only negative Islamic history like military campaigns and slavery, calling it a “selective negative caricature,” while omitting major contributions to science and math. He argues that if Christianity’s role in shaping Western ideals is emphasized, then Islam deserves equal depth. Bhojani also warns the revisions risk erasing African American and Latino histories, forcing teachers into rigid curricula that stifle critical thinking. Supporters, including Mandy Drogin of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, defend the changes as more chronological and factual, insisting no group is being marginalized. If approved, the standards will roll out in Texas schools starting 2033–2034, igniting a national conversation about historical balance and educational fairness. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/8a51710bcdd53a63