Furor over Arabic language program at Texas school

CHICAGO - A Texas school district put the brakes on an Arabic language program Tuesday after an angry backlash from parents made national headlines.

The Mansfield school district issued a statement contradicting media reports that it was planning "mandatory Arabic classes."

"Recent concerns have been raised by parents concerning plans for the curriculum," the district said.

"Therefore, Mansfield ISD is slowing the implementation process and will be seeking input from parents in a variety of ways."

The program was being developed through a $1.3 million federal grant aimed at expanding the instruction of "critical" languages.

Mansfield was one of just five districts in the country selected to receive the Arabic grant.

The district had originally planned to integrate Arabic cultural studies into the curriculum of two elementary schools and offer Arabic language as an elective in middle school and high school.

The program was scheduled to begin this semester.

The reactions of 200 parents who attended a meeting Monday night ranged from supportive to upset, said Willie Wimbrey, assistant principal at Cross Timbers elementary school.

"We had people who were animatedly fearful of anything to do with Islam," Wimbrey told the Mansfield News-Mirror.

"Others want their children exposed to everything. Others who say we teach about Christmas, why not other religions? All cultures and major religions are taught throughout the state."

Parent Baron Kane was among those opposed to the program.

"The school does not teach Christianity, so I don't want them teaching the Islam," he told the local CBS News affiliate.

Parent Kheirieh Hannun told the station that the program could hopefully help broaden the minds of the town's students and parents.

"It will help come down on the stereotype," said Hannun, who was born in the Palestinian territories and raised in the United States.

Parent Trisha Savage agreed.

"I think it's a great opportunity that will open doors," she told CBS. "We need to think globally and act locally."