Source: Religion Today
BYRON, CALIFORNIA, January 17, 2002: Seventh graders in a growing number of public schools are being required to attend an intensive three-week course on Islam. Students in Byron, California were sent home with handouts informing their parents of the course contents. The students in the Ancient Culture and History class are required to memorize Islamic terms and Proverbs along with the Five Pillars of Faith, and study the key Islamic prophets. They may wear Muslim clothing and adopt a Muslim name as a class exercise. The textbook used for the Islamic course, “Across the Centuries,” is a Social Studies/History book and has been adopted by the California School System. Although the article, written by Reverend Austin Miles, is critical of the program, local news coverage showed positive reactions from students and their parents.