The Mansfield Independent School District created waves last month after announcing it received a $1.3 million federal grant over five years to incorporate aspects of the Arabic language and culture into its existing curriculum for every grade level.
Political blogs, education commentators and news outlets, as well as FOX News anchor Glenn Beck and even actor Chuck Norris, jumped on the story — drawing national attention to the school district by reporting that the program would make Arabic instruction mandatory.
Outrage over the decision forced the district to retool — but not drop — its plan through a revised grant request. District officials say teaching Arabic is critical to producing graduates who can compete in a global market.