The Texas office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Texas) today called on the State Board of Education (SBOE) to reject proposed revisions to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) social studies standards that unfairly target the American Muslim community.

As the SBOE enters final discussions today ahead of a preliminary vote on the first reading of the new curriculum standards, CAIR-Texas is sounding the alarm on a pattern of bias and misinformation that has characterized this process. During Tuesday’s hearing, the board faced hours of testimony regarding proposed changes that tie Islam and Muslim historical figures disproportionately to terrorism while omitting significant contributions of the faith to world history and civilization.

Tuesday’s proceedings were marred by a series of hostile actions from state leadership:

• State Senator Bob Hall testified that the curriculum was an attempt to “Islamify” schools yet failed to provide a single example of “Sharia law” when pressed by board members. 
• SBOE Member Brandon Hall weaponized political rhetoric to interrogate CAIR leadership on baseless terrorism links.
• Member Julie Pickren and others reportedly exited the room during testimony from Muslim constituents, signaling a blatant disregard for the community’s concerns.

The hearing was marked by inflammatory rhetoric from several public witnesses who used the platform to cast aspersions on the faith of millions of Texans. This follows recent national reporting highlighting concerns that the proposed curriculum shifts are being influenced by political ideologies rather than historical accuracy.

SEE: In Texas, a state hearing on social studies becomes a clash of religions

SEE: Revised Social Studies Curriculum Shields Students from Complexity

In a statement, CAIR-Texas Civic Engagement Organizer Sameeha Rizvi said:

“What we witnessed on April 7th was a disturbing display of the very Anti-Muslim hate we are fighting to keep out of our children’s classrooms. As we head into today’s vote, the SBOE must decide if it will prioritize historical integrity or political pandering. Our students across Texas deserve a curriculum grounded in fact, not one that treats their faith as a subset of security studies. We urge the board to vote in favor of accuracy and fairness by rejecting these biased revisions.”

Nicholas Little, Houston Branch NAACP Criminal Justice Chairman, added:

“I have been to Austin advocating on many occasions for many different reasons on the behalf of all communities. This past Tuesday at the State School Board meeting was frustrating, appalling, and may very well be the single thread that unravels our democracy. Attacks on our education system are running rampant and accountability is nowhere to be found. I was even more outraged by the hatred towards our Muslim brothers and sisters whether members of CAIR or just concerned citizens and advocates. Rest assured that injustice and prejudice will not be protected or shielded by people’s choice to be ignorant or misinformed. The fight must continue, and together we will all fight for the entire community!”

CAIR-Texas and a coalition of educators, parents, and community leaders have consistently advocated for the SBOE to:

• Ensure Balanced Representation: Include the cultural, scientific, and social contributions of Muslim civilizations throughout history.
• Remove Biased Frameworks: Eliminate instructional requirements that link religious studies primarily to modern conflict and extremism.
• Uphold Professional Integrity: Prioritize the recommendations of non-partisan subject-matter experts over politically motivated testimonies.

The SBOE is expected to take its first formal vote on the proposed standards today. CAIR-Texas will continue to monitor the proceedings and advocate for a curriculum that reflects the true diversity and history of all Texans. 

In the meantime, CAIR-Texas calls on interfaith leaders and concerned community members to push back against the anti-Muslim hate spreading across the nation by joining our collective call for support.

TAKE ACTION:Interfaith leaders call for support of the Muslim community nation-wide

CAIR-Texas’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.

La misión de CAIR-Texas es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.

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CONTACT: Sameeha Rizvi, CAIR-Texas Civic Engagement Organizer, 512-893-1371, srizvi@cair.com; Shaimaa Zayan, CAIR-Texas Austin Operations Manager, 512-785-7105, szayan@cair.com; Nicholas Little, Houston Branch NAACP Criminal Justice Chairman, 832-982-6648, justice@naacphouston.org