Roxbury parents to Government School Board: textbook whitewashes Islam, should be removed
A history textbook being used in Roxbury’s middle school inappropriately glorifies violence, dangerously whitewashes its descriptions of Islam and engages in pro-Muslim indoctrination, say residents who want it removed from the classroom.
The book, “History Alive! Medieval World and Beyond” has been removed from use by a number of school districts across the nation, including four in Bergen County, said Succasunna resident Laurel Whitney, who is spearheading the opposition to its use in Roxbury. She said the book is being used as a supplemental text in Roxbury’s Eisenhower Middle School. The district has shown reluctance to remove it.
Whitney created a summary of her issues with the book and sent it to school officials. But in a Nov. 9 email to Whitney, Roxbury Schools Assistant Superintendent Loretta Radulic said the book was staying, at least for the time being.
“Your passion for the issue is evident, and I do appreciate your concerns for the safety of the students,” wrote Radulic. “The supervisor, building principal, Board Members, and I have had several meetings to discuss your concerns. At this point we do not believe eliminating the textbook is the appropriate road.”
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