WASHINGTON, D.C., November 24, 2014 (Press Release): In a landmark moment for the Hindu American community, the Texas State Board of Education voted late last week to adopt new textbooks that dramatically improve the way Hinduism is depicted. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) was involved in the adoption process from the beginning, working with scholars and historians to ensure a constructive and accurate understanding of Hinduism. As a result of the changes made by publishers in response to HAF’s reviews, the textbooks now present a picture of Hinduism that emphasizes the religion’s core philosophies with accurate explanations of key concepts.
“This is a game-changing moment for our community,” said Houston-based HAF Board Member Rishi Bhutada. “This is the first time that this type of textbook reform has ever been accomplished on a statewide level anywhere in the US, and to do it in Texas, one of the two biggest textbook markets in the country, is amazing.” Educators, several publishers, and other advocacy groups worked closely with HAF to make sure the representations of Hinduism were not steeped in the archaic and inaccurate “caste, cows, and karma” approach that has dominated textbook content for years. “This is transformational for the Hindu American community,” Dr. Balaji said.
The textbook vote is final, and the textbook changes will reflect in materials next year. The Hindu American Foundation’s evidence-based efforts in education reform have been acknowledged in Texas and across the country, including prominent social studies and history organizations such as the National Council for Social Studies.