Advisers: Cesar Chavez given too much attention in class studies

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Civil rights leaders Cesar Chavez and Thurgood Marshall receive too much attention in Texas social studies classes, say two members of a panel advising the state on curriculum standards.

Chavez, a Hispanic labor leader, and Marshall, who argued the landmark case that resulted in racial desegregation and was the first black U.S. Supreme Court justice, have schools, libraries, streets and parks named after them across Texas and the U.S.

But to have Chavez "listed next to Ben Franklin" as an important historical figure "is ludicrous," wrote evangelical minister Peter Marshall, one of six experts advising the state as it develops new curriculum standards for social studies classes and textbooks.

Another panelist, David Barton, founder of Wallbuilders, which promotes religion's role in the nation's founding, said Chavez "lacks the stature, impact and overall contributions of so many others."

Peter Marshall also questioned whether Thurgood Marshall should be presented to Texas students as an important figure, writing that he is "not a strong enough example."

The recommendations are part of a long process in which the State Board of Education will set new social studies curriculum standards for public schools. Debate on the standards could be as intense as that on new science standards that were adopted by the board in March. Evolution was a major flashpoint in those discussions.

The social studies requirements will remain in place for the next decade, dictating what is taught in government, history and other social studies classes in elementary and secondary schools. The standards also will be used to write textbooks and develop state tests for students.

The standards will be drafted by teams of teachers, academics and community representatives. The education board appointed the advisory panel to guide the teams.

Three of the advisers, including Barton and Marshall, were appointed by Republican social conservatives on the Board of Education, while the other three experts - all Texas university professors - were appointed by the remaining Republicans and Democrats on the 15-member board.

Texas Freedom Network, a nonprofit group that has battled social conservatives on education issues, questioned Barton and Marshall's academic credentials and said their negative comments on Chavez are just the start of a "blacklist" of historical figures considered objectionable by social conservatives.

"It is what we expected from unqualified political activists put on this so-called panel of experts," said Dan Quinn of the Freedom Network. "This is yet another step toward politicizing our children's education."

State board member Don McLeroy, R-College Station, took issue with the criticism of Barton and Marshall, saying they are "very qualified" to consider social studies standards.

Jesus Francisco de la Teja, chairman of the history department at Texas State University and a former state historian who also was a curriculum reviewer, said while he had not read Barton and Marshall's reports, he had a far different view of Chavez.

"I don't share their opinion at all," de la Teja said. "Unlike them, I did include Cesar Chavez in my recommendations as someone who was worthy of attention and discussion" in social studies classes.

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Information from: The Dallas Morning News, http://www.dallasnews.com