I read with deep concern about the Fountain Valley School Board’s rebuke of the people who wanted to revise references to the history of Islam as presented in the latest version of the history presented in the 7th grade [“Trustees won’t use Islam curriculum,” July 29]. Although I have not read the 55 pages presenting Islam in a positive light, I can assure you my studies of Islam and Shariah law, as well as the life of Mohammed, paints a very different picture than one of a religion of peace and harmony.
Some rules of Shariah law should alert even the most passive parent: that men are superior to women; that women are deficient in intellect and understanding; that a husband has the legal right to beat and subjugate a wife if she disobeys him, or is disloyal to him, or simply does not please him. Muslims are taught to engage in Taqiyya, saying or writing something that is not true to advance the cause of Islam.
Who is behind the editorial version that displays Islam in such a charming light? The Council on Islamic Education (CIE) headed by none other than Shabbir Mansuri, and Susan Douglas, a convert to Islam. They are associated to the Islamic Saudi Academy (ISA) in Fairfax County, Virginia. The ISA teaches radical Wahabbi Islamic fundamentalism which promotes violence against infidels.
I suggest that Americans are totally naive about the claims of Islam and need to study their basic tenants before they become so tolerant they let the fox in the hen house. Those folks who were protesting the distortion of Islam in their children’s history book should be applauded rather than some ignorant football coach scolding them for standing up for the truth. We have become so open minded that our brains are falling out.
Roy Williams
Newport Beach
One thing that puzzles me about Ryan Mac’s report of Thursday’s meeting of the Fountain Valley School Board is that he highlights the comments of one speaker, football coach John Shipp, who was the only speaker of 18 to oppose this issue [“Trustees won’t use Islam supplement,” Local, July 24]. Shipp’s argument was that he “loved” the supplement but felt that teaching it would “demonstrate the same intolerance that the extremists demonstrate.” Why would Shipp love a supplement that teaches intolerance?
Seventeen speakers supported the supplement’s teaching of Islam in a way that reflects the state’s philosophy that education must be accurate, objective, and current and that history must be taught, even “the warts and bumps.” Among the 17 were former Muslims who described how they had been taught to hate non-Muslims. One, Mano Bakh, a former high ranking official in the Iranian navy, and author of Escaping Islam, pleaded with the board, “For God’s sake, teach the truth ... read the Qur’an.”
Another parent talked of the execution of her father and uncle, adding, “I won’t give my children to you to be taught lies.” Al Rowley reported how the state was committed to change the framework, but then came the budget cuts, adding that academics have written the supplements to be provided at no charge. The final speaker was a 13 year old who questioned why he was taught the five Pillars of Islam but not the 10 commandments, adding that some of his classmates thought Islam was “neat” and they would like to be Muslims. As his family fled a Muslim country to come to the US, he said, “Are you crazy? Islam is the worst religion.”
Another puzzling aspect of the meeting was that not one speaker was present to speak for the Muslim community, to answer concerns of those who did attend. One thing seems clear: the Board of Education feels powerless to change this situation at the local level.
Linda Church
Fullerton
