I am concerned about textbooks being considered by the Alabama Textbook Committee for English/language Arts, specifically the texts from one particular publisher. As a retired English/language arts teacher, I am familiar with this company and many included writings and/or authors. These selections and topics are directly aligned with the Obama administration’s Race to the Top and the curriculum designated for common-core standards.

As one who believes in teaching students to think critically and process, synthesize, evaluate and apply information, I tried to find some value in the reading selections and writing prompts. However, I could find no worth whatsoever. The literary content has a very liberal bias. Much was persuasive to the point of indoctrination, not objective forms of evoking critical thinking skills.

I am disturbed by the fact that included are attacks on Christianity, encouragement of terrorist entities and beliefs, liberal feminist views and attacks on traditional gender roles, promotion of permissiveness toward illegal immigration, an acceptance and encouragement of pro-choice viewpoints, promotion of tolerance and acceptance of LGBT lifestyles, and anti-American sentiments.

As residents of Alabama, we need to address this immediately.

Lisa A. Harris
Alabama Federation of Republican Women
Tuscaloosa