February 17, 2006

Ms. Glee Johnson, President
California State Board of Education
Members, California State Board of Education Sacramento CA

Dear Ms. Johnson and Members of the Board:

I write on behalf of the Valley Interfaith Council (VIC) Board to express our concern regarding the adoption of Ancient History textbooks for sixth-grade California students.

It has come to our attention that while numerous changes in the treatment of ancient Indian history and Hinduism recommended by the Curriculum Commission of the State Board of Education have been incorporated in the texts approved, several others were not approved. Indeed, they were reportedly kept out of public consideration and address.

This concerns us greatly. Our mission includes developing positive interfaith relations, building interreligious harmony, and engaging persons of many different religious persuasions in interfaith action to strengthen the quality of life in our Valley and society. Inaccurate and misleading information about any religious tradition is a disservice to our public well-being. It greatly complicates VIC’s efforts. The textbooks being adopted for use by sixth grade students will impact our society for many generations to come. It is imperative that these texts be respectful and accurate of all religious traditions, including Hinduism.

Accordingly, we call on the State Board of Education to accept the edits submitted by the Vedic Foundation and Hindu Education Foundation as approved and/or amended by Professor Shiva Bajpai of our own California State University, Northridge. We make this request to ensure the respectful and accurate portrayal of Hinduism in these 6th grade textbooks. We expect no less in the treatment of all religious traditions addressed by the texts.

Sincerely,
Earl Fagin, Esq.
Chair of the Board