AUSTIN, Texas — Texas education leaders are poised to decide whether high school students will learn a revised version of world history that includes new language about the Sept. 11 attacks and a proposed lesson on early Islam.

The Texas State Board of Education has preliminarily approved changes to high school social studies lessons as part of a broader rewrite of state standards that guide what Texas students are expected to learn. A final vote is expected Friday.

The Texas Tribune reported the board advanced language, like stating that “radical Islam” motivated the 9/11 attacks. The board also approved a proposed lesson on early Islam focused on military campaigns, slavery and female captives.

Supporters say the rewrite strengthens history and civics. State Board of Education member Brandon Hall said in response to a proposed amendment to their changes, “This is history. We’re not teaching a religion course. We’re trying to talk about what actually happened in this period of history. And so I think that this is very whitewashed and kind of falls in line with what a foreign terrorist organization has been asking this board to do.”

ALSO | Lawmakers question lack of information about water usage by data centers

Critics argue the changes misrepresent Islam and omit key history. State Board of Education member Marisa Perez-Diaz said, “I will say is, we’re walking a fine line. If we’re going to talk about the problems within the Quran, then in order to accurately and fairly speak holistically about any kind of religion, then we should probably start talking about some of the problems within the Bible as well.”

The Texas Tribune reported the board began the larger rewrite years ago but paused it in 2022 after conservative lawmakers raised concerns about how race and gender would be taught. In June, the board approved the K-8 portion of the rewrite, including more emphasis on civics and Texas history, along with a reading list that includes Bible stories. Board members said they needed more time to work on the high school courses, which are now back up for a final vote Friday.

Questions remain about whether board members will change any of the language before the final vote and, if the standards pass, how they would change what students are expected to learn about Islam and world history.

If you have questions, we encourage you to email news@cbsaustin.com.