Conservative Victory In Texas Textbook Wars

The Houston Chronicle reports that the "State Board of Education tentatively approved new standards for social studies today with members divided along party lines — some blasting the standards as a 'fraud on the students of this state' and others praising them as a tribute to the Founding Fathers and a portrayal of 'an exceptional country.' The new standards face a public hearing and a final board vote in May. They will influence new history and government public school textbooks starting in the 2011-12 school year. Democrat members — all minorities — complained the new standards unfairly dilute Hispanic contributions to Texas and U.S. history.

Republican Terri Leo called the proposed standards “a world class document” and told her Democratic colleagues the board has “included more minorities and historical events than ever before. ... I am very disappointed at those allegations because they are simply not true.”

Ken Mercer, R-San Antonio, said the proposed standards reflect the desires of his constituents to emphasize “personal responsibility and accountability” and “to honor our Founding Fathers, and we want to honor our military.” Tweet