Board of Education decides against ‘pro-Islam’ books BY KENA SOSA History has shown that sticks and stones do break bones. Words should never hurt or mislead, yet they do. The way history, meant to be the timeline of facts and events which cannot be disputed, is written can lead to great controversy.
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The proposal was first birthed by Randy Rives of Odessa, whose conservative agenda seems to be shared by Board members. In a way, the Board is right. There should be no bias in history textbooks. Bias should always be absent.
Such is the case with the recent heated decision made by the Texas School Board to not adopt textbooks which they deem to contain material which is “proIslam” or “anti-Christian.” The proposal was first birthed by Randy Rives of Odessa, whose conservative agenda seems to be shared by Board
members. In a way, the Board is right. There should be no bias in history textbooks. Bias should always be absent.
those of Muslim faith are brushed over while the unpleasant acts of Christians were painted in a much harsher light.
The subject of Christianity and Islam is already a touchy subject for many. And, the proposal could not have passed if there were not people who agree with the Board’s decision.
This is a sticky subject, as we all know that a clever writer can disguise his opinions in astute language, while another will find it more difficult to avoid words that have negative connotations. Consider, for example, the effects a clergyman who retold the legend of Beowulf had on the story.
However, a wide range of spiritual leaders and other community members do not. Before debating this topic, the Board was sent a letter from the spiritual leaders of various faiths asking them not to pass the issue as the concept itself is one that is biased. The Texas Freedom Network (www.tfn. org), in charge of sending out this letter, cites many discrepancies in the findings which pushed this agenda to vote and ultimately, to pass. According to a list of facts on the topic, TFN, cites that in response to the claim that Islam was much more discussed in the textbooks in question, “the review appears to ignore whole sections of textbooks that discuss Christianity” such as text on the Byzantine Empire, Holy Roman Empire, and Christianity’s influence on art and culture.
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Regardless, it seems strange that publishers and editors of history books would not be checking for language which might provoke emotional and/or biased reactions to any event. This should be their job and their mission, to present the facts as they are. Interestingly, the final accusation of the agenda is that Arab investors will try to use their influence in order to continue bias in history textbooks as their power in the world economy grows. This statement can neither be proven nor fairly assumed. Considering Texas is in located in the Bible Belt of the country and that Texas’ power in the book market is sizeable, one could summon up the same fear about Christian politicians.
` Meet The Lone Star Crescent new columnist -- Dr. Lamia Kadir, a pediatrician from the Austin area. She is here to answer all of your pertinent health and medical-realated questions. This issue she tackles H1N1 and the flu season.
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Serving of ‘Three Cups’ proves fruitful for CAI BY KENA SOSA The main goal of the first Fundraising Gala held in Dallas Saturday, November 13th was to secure enough funds for CAI’s 168th school to be built. Additionally, CAI and the volunteers hoped to bridge cultural gaps and bring Easterners and Westerners together in their desire to help humankind through education, but also to take relationships from acquaintances to true friends and partners in philanthropy. Central Asia Institute and Greg Mortenson do not take their mission lightly. Their hard work paid off as each facet of the evening successfully bonded new friendships and understanding between those who were previously strang-
ers. Even before entering the ballroom, guests were invited to mingle. Farah Janjua’s photography bordered the entryway creating a human corral of sorts as gazers perused the colorful images of veils, eyes and eager children, eyes burning to learn, gushing at the emotions conveyed in the gestures of the children as if they were right there with us. Speakers opened by enlightening attendees with a reality check for many who have not been updated on Pakistan’s post-flood situation today. Sadly, one fifth of Pakistan is still underwater thanks to recent flooding, yet the disaster is hardly mentioned. Why are we neglecting a country so in need? It’s simple. Many of us hear the name Pakistan CAI continues on page 4 >>