WILL WEISSERT, Associated Press
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – One of the nation’s largest publishers has withdrawn a high school government textbook up for approval in Texas amid criticism that state curriculums exaggerate Moses’ influence on American democracy.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt announced Friday that its book and electronic materials “United States Government: Principles and Practice” is a “national program” and doesn’t meet 100 percent of Texas standards.
The Texas Board of Education failed to preliminarily approve about 100 textbooks and classroom materials for use statewide Tuesday. It must approve books Friday for them to be ready for by next fall, but Houghton Mifflin’s won’t be considered.
Academics and activists on the right and left have long decried the proposed books. Some worry they are too sympathetic to Islam. Others say they overstate Moses’ importance on early American democracy.