Texas Republicans gathered at Tuesday’s meeting of the Texas State Board of Education to voice support for proposed social studies standards while opposing the inclusion of Islam-focused content.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the board released draft revisions to the Social Studies Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, or TEKS, in February, marking the next phase of the state’s curriculum overhaul.
Because the standards shape classroom instruction statewide — influencing lesson plans, assessments, and textbooks — input from parents, educators, and advocacy groups carries significant weight.
If passed in 2026, instructional materials would be aligned to the new standards, with implementation expected by the 2030 school year.
Several speakers expressed support for a curriculum centered on civics, American history, and foundational values.
“A knowledge of civics, religious literature, founding documents, understanding of communist regimes, celebration of Freedom Week,” said Brad Dacus during public comment.
“I want to express my strong support for teaching American and Texas exceptionalism in our social studies standards,” SBOE candidate Victoria Hinojosa said.
Abraham George also urged Republicans from across the state to attend the meeting and oppose what he described as ideological influence in the standards.
“Our children deserve the truth — the Judeo-Christian values that founded this nation, the role of faith, and the history that made Texas strong,” George wrote on X.
True Texas Project President Fran Rhodes explained why she supports the proposed SBOE standards.
“Christian influences are prevalent throughout the founding documents and writings of the founding fathers. Islam (or any other ideology) is not. The very first settlers of this land were Christians, who established Christian communities. Islam is not part of the U.S. or Texan heritage, and doesn’t need to be taught in our public schools in the social studies curriculum,” Rhodes told The Dallas Express.
Opposition voices were also present, including representatives affiliated with the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
Some critics argued that aspects of the proposed standards mischaracterize historical topics related to Islam.
“Labeling slavery in this context as uniquely Islamic incorrectly suggests that the practice originated with or was defined by Islam itself,” said Shaza Khan, according to Texas Scorecard.
“Texas students deserve terminology that reflects accurate historical scholarship and avoids misleadingly attaching religious identity to practices that are not connected to theology,” Khan added.
CAIR Austin posted a call to action for Tuesday’s meeting.
“You don’t care about education nor do you care about the truth. You just want a state-funded echo chamber where facts are optional,” CAIR Austin posted on Facebook.
CAIR’s involvement in the debate comes as the organization remains at the center of a broader political and legal fight in Texas.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Greg Abbott signed a proclamation last year naming CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organizations, prohibiting them from purchasing land in Texas and authorizing legal action by Attorney General Ken Paxton.
“The actions taken by the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR to support terrorism across the globe and subvert our laws through violence, intimidation, and harassment are unacceptable,” Abbott said in the November release.
The SBOE is expected to vote on first reading Friday, April 10, with another vote in June for final approval.