California State Board of Education rejected proposed changes on how Hinduism is covered in textbooks
The California State Board of Education has rejected several proposed changes to the way Hinduism is presented in the state's sixth grade textbooks, to the chagrin of many Hindu parents and advocacy groups. Although the board accepted a number of changes to rectify inaccuracies, it voted to retain controversial descriptions of the roles of women and minorities, migrational history, and polytheism in Hinduism. Several Hindu advocacy groups, including the Hindu Education Foundation, the Hindu American Foundation, and the Vedic Foundation, argued to the board that issues such as the caste system and discrimination against women are inappropriate for a sixth grade introduction to religion. The groups also contended that Hindu students are humiliated by negative depictions of their religion. The Hindu American Foundation is considering filing a suit to overturn the board's decision. However, scholars from California's universities and colleges argued that historical accuracy should prevail because students can learn valuable lessons from historical injustices. The scholars accused the advocacy groups of attempting to whitewash history. The board also approved less controversial changes proposed by Jewish, Christian, and Islamic groups. For instance, the board addressed concerns over anti-Semitism by stipulating that students now learn that Romans, not Jews, crucified Jesus, and deleting language that suggested that God punished the Jews for their evil ways. Scholars and state board members believe the review process went well. Hindu groups, while expressing gratitude that many of their proposed changes were adopted, are disappointed that their larger concerns fell on deaf ears. Khanderao Kand, who represents the Hindu Education Foundation, says, "It is like putting Band-Aids on a chronic illness—just a word here and there." Because California teaches so many students, decisions made by its state board of education have national implications. The textbooks used in California are also used in many other states.
Mercury NewsBy Lisa M. Krieger
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