Error-filled textbook should be shelved

Texas schools need a textbook devoted to Mexican-American studies, but the error-filled Mexican American Heritage should not be it.

The textbook, on the State Board of Education’s list of proposed instructional materials, has been slammed by several Mexican-American scholars, educators and activists.

The Responsible Ethnic Studies Textbook Coalition says the book “promotes offensive cultural stereotypes, distorts history and is plagued by factual errors.”

The textbook makes confusing generalizations without any data to back up its claims. Some of the information is just incorrect.

Under a section labeled “Education Statistics” the authors wrote, “Chicano philosophy, which pervades urban Latino areas, often reinforces the idea that rebellion against the establishment is part of the true Mexican identity.”

When they do quote data, some of it is almost 20 years old, which is incredibly outdated for a sociology textbook.

The State Board of Education should examine the book and listen to the concerns during public hearings in September and November.

The board’s recommendations aren’t binding — schools can choose other textbooks — but still matter.

Students deserve better.

This story was originally published July 20, 2016 at 5:50 PM with the headline "Error-filled textbook should be shelved."