The new school curriculum framework of the education board in California state of the United States is all set to include richer content on ancient India and Hinduism and remove Islamophobic content.
The move aims to update history and social science instruction in California. The framework was created over a period of last two years and went through multiple rounds of public hearings. It also saw many controversies including, rename ancient India with South Asia by a group of top academics.
The board decided in favour of India despite much disappointment to a section of academicians.
Sandeep Dedage, director, Hindu Education Foundation USA, expressing satisfaction over the completion of the process, said that, "While much needs to be done to bring content on Hinduism and Indian civilisation on par with other religions and civilizations, we believe that great progress has been made in the last two years."
The new framework includes Hindu teachings, Vedic sages, philosophy, music, dance, bhakti saints, art and scientific contributions of India.
Congressman Tulsi Gabbard and California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom batted for their causes ahead of the final hearing.
According to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, the new framework will improve the teaching and learning of history and social science.
"It will give our students access to the latest historical research and help them learn about the diversity of our state and the contributions of people and groups who may not have received the appropriate recognition in the past," he said.
The California Department of Education said that, addition to this, the information was added about voter education, financial literacy, genocide, the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Americans and people with disabilities to the history of California and the United States.
"We have a long way to go. But we are on our way to a bright future for a more equitable representation of Hinduism in California textbooks," Barbara McGraw, convener of the Social Sciences and Religion Faculty Group.
Hindu American Foundation senior director Samir Kalra, said that, "The board showed much sensitivity to activists representing Islam and Muslims, by adjusting the frameworks slightly to show the religion in a more positive light."
Kalra went on to note, however, "We only wish they had shown the same empathy when discussing further changes on the presentation of Hinduism."
Also Read: US Muslims allege Islamophobic content in California school books
- Nandini
