From Dallas Express · Dallas Express · · 1m 20s
Houston mosques launch voter drive over school curriculum
Muslim leaders register 1,000 voters weekly to oppose new Texas education standards they say unfairly portray Islam.
In brief
Muslim leaders register 1,000 voters weekly to oppose new Texas education standards they say unfairly portray Islam. Houston's Muslim community is mobilizing politically in response to state education curriculum changes, with mosques conducting aggressive voter registration. Originally reported by Dallas Express.
Mosques register 1,000 voters weekly
Houston Muslim leaders say they're signing up about 1,000 voters per week at area mosques after the State Board of Education adopted new social studies standards.
“I can guarantee you, if you all go out and vote this time, Muslims' vote will make a difference in Houston and Harris County.”
New standards spark criticism
The State Board of Education's revised social studies standards are criticized by Muslim leaders for portraying Islam unfairly and potentially making some children feel inferior.
“We are not asking the board to hide an uncomfortable history, but to apply the same intellectual standard to everyone.”
Board approved standards in September
On September 4, the State Board of Education gave final approval to revised standards for U.S. History, U.S. Government, World History, and World Geography, including new civics and communist ideology instruction.
Islamic schools serve 1,000 students
The Islamic Society of Greater Houston operates five full-time Islamic schools educating over 1,000 children from pre-K through high school, plus weekend schools serving thousands more.
Republican board member eyes November
State Board of Education Member Brandon Hall said the political fight would move to the November election, calling for voters to elect Ken Paxton and the Republican ticket.
“First we beat them at the SBOE, now we will defeat them at the ballot box in November by electing Ken Paxton and the entire Republican ticket.”
The main idea
Houston's Muslim community is mobilizing politically in response to state education curriculum changes, with mosques conducting aggressive voter registration.
