478 students: Newton's history curriculum is OK

Posted Apr. 21, 2014 at 4:51 PM

http://newton.wickedlocal.com/article/20140421/News/140429451
NEWTON

We, concerned Newton students, support the history department in the face of allegations by the group
Americans for Peace and Tolerance that Newton’s Middle East curriculum is anti-Israel. Despite APT’s
claims, we are not the victims of anti-Semitic, anti-Israel, or "pro-Arab" education.

We recognize that history is often controversial and always subject to reevaluation. Thoughtful, constructive
criticism of how history is taught plays a vital role in improving the quality of history education. The history
department’s removal of the Arab World Studies Notebook in response to a parent complaint demonstrates its
openness to criticism and commitment to constant improvement.

APT’s allegations go beyond the pale of constructive criticism. Factual inaccuracies in the allegations, as noted
by the Anti-Defamation League and in a January Newton South Lion’s Roar article, undermine their usefulness
in improving the curriculum. The allegations, which criticize not only supposedly anti-Israel materials, but also
materials said to be "glorifying Islam," detract from a tolerant and open-minded classroom environment.
Our history teachers are not anti-Israel. Unjustified allegations to that effect can serve only to stifle classroom
discourse. We ask APT to withdraw their attacks on the integrity of our teachers.

This statement was signed by 478 Newton South and Newton North students, including leaders of 33 student
clubs, teams, and organizations. The signatures were submitted to the TAB, but are not published here due to
space constraints.