The Texas State Board of Education passed an amendment Thursday that would require high school students to learn about "the Prophet Mohammed's brutal military campaigns" as part of the state's social studies curriculum. The Republican-controlled board approved the change while postponing a final vote on broader high school standards until September, with new curriculum requirements set to take effect in 2030.
The amendment was originally proposed by Republican board member Brandon Hall, who serves as a pastor in Parker County. Board members rejected an earlier version of Hall's language that had described "the Prophet Mohammed's brutal military campaigns against Jewish and Christian tribes" along with references to Islamic slavery, according to The Dallas Morning News.
What the Right Is Saying
Republican board member Brandon Hall defended his proposal as providing historically accurate context for students. His stance reflects a broader cultural push by conservative Texans regarding religious education in public schools. The board's vote comes as Texas continues to battle in court over requiring Ten Commandments displays in classrooms, with a federal appeals court ruling in favor of the state in April 2025 and potentially setting up Supreme Court review.
Supporters argue the curriculum changes ensure students receive comprehensive historical education that includes difficult aspects of religious history rather than sanitized versions. They contend that teaching about military campaigns throughout history, including those led by figures from various faiths, provides balanced educational content.
What the Left Is Saying
The Texas chapter of American Muslims for Palestine strongly criticized the standards in a Thursday Instagram post, calling them "not an objective or balanced presentation of history." The organization described the curriculum guidance as "Anti Palestinian" and argued it unfairly singles out one faith. "Texas students deserve social studies standards that educate — not stigmatize," the post stated.
The group is calling on board members to eliminate what it describes as inaccurate and biased language throughout the proposed standards and ensure they reflect sound historical scholarship while treating all religions and cultures fairly. The Council on American-Islamic Relations, which Texas designated a terrorist organization in November 2024, also shared concerns about the curriculum changes.
What the Numbers Show
The Texas State Board of Education consists of 15 members. The board voted to pass the amendment Thursday with a majority of Republican members supporting it. Curriculum changes approved now would take effect in the 2030-2031 school year for high school students. Texas is one of several states where education boards have debated how religious history should be taught, with similar debates occurring over biblical stories and their role in social studies curricula.
The Bottom Line
The approval marks a significant moment in ongoing debates over how religion is portrayed in public school curricula. Opponents are expected to continue advocating for changes before the board's September vote on final high school standards. Parents, educators, and advocacy groups across the political spectrum will likely watch closely as Texas finalizes these requirements that could influence similar curriculum battles in other states.