Christian group: Department of Education ‘indoctrinating’ kids into Islamic beliefs

A Christian advocacy group is claiming the U.S. Department of Education is “indoctrinating” students into believing Islamic beliefs.

The Christian Action Network sent a letter demanding DOE “cease its Islamic education program for the nation’s public schools,” according to a report by CBN News.

CAN claims students and teachers are being encouraged to promote Islamic beliefs through the LearningMedia website, a site operated by the Public Broadcasting Service that provides free learning materials to students and teachers. PBS is supported by donors and taxpayers.

“Much of this so-called educational material is nothing more than indoctrinating students into Islamic religious beliefs, duties and actions,” said Martin Mawyer, president of CAN.

CAN claims if the materials are not removed within 60 days, it will file a federal lawsuit, reported CBN News.

A review of the LearningMedia website by The Blaze found at least six lengthy lesson plans focused on teaching students about various aspects of Islam, including “The Five Pillars of Islam,” “The Haj: Journey to Mecca” and “Salat: Prayer in Muslim Life.”

A similar search for lesson plans covering Christianity, Buddhism, Mormonism, Protestantism, Catholicism, Taoism or Hinduism uncovered zero results, although there were other materials related to those topics on the LearningMedia website.

In “Salat: Prayer in Muslim Life,” students are tasked with watching videos and reading articles about Muslims’ prayer life, including learning about Islamic prayer movements and postures.

One question asks students after watching detailed instructions about Islamic prayer, “How do you think it feels to know that millions of other people are praying with you, just like you, everyday?”

Another task instructs teachers, “Encourage students to make connections between their own traditions and salat especially in regard to community building and shared traditions.”

In “The Five Pillars of Islam,” students are taught about foundational Islamic beliefs and told to construct a poster on the “five pillars.”

Teachers are instructed to have students meet with Muslim leaders in the community.

“If possible, have your students meet with Muslims in your community to learn about their religious practices and views,” states the lesson plan. “Interview Muslims who have participated in Hajj, and talk to Muslims during the month of Ramadan to learn about fasting and almsgiving. Contact religious leaders or scholars to learn more about prayer and belief.”

About $445 million has been paid in recent years to support PBS, National Public Radio, and other similar services, according to a report by Conservative Review.

President Donald Trump proposed in March in his budget plan to end funding for public broadcasting, a proposal that has come under fire from many on the left who claim the decision would drive out of business many supposedly important public programs.