Texas board rejects disputed Mexican-American studies book

The Texas Board of Education has unanimously rejected a Mexican-American studies textbook that experts say is rife with factual errors and anti-Hispanic bias.

Friday’s vote means the book titled “Mexican American Heritage” can’t be used to teach Texas public high school students.

Two years ago, the Republican-controlled board refused to create a full Mexican-American studies course for the state. Instead, it asked publishers to submit proposed ethnic studies textbooks which high schools could use to create their own courses.

The only Mexican-American studies book submitted was the one rejected. Academics and activists highlighted dozens of inaccuracies and stereotypes in the book, including that Mexican immigrants were “lazy.”

Cynthia Dunbar, a former conservative board member whose company published the book, threatened Tuesday that legal action could follow if it was rejected.