Comment on Kingsport school board approves textbook adoptions

KINGSPORT — The Board of Education unanimously voted to do a blanket adoption of new textbooks for the cycle extending through 2026, including seventh grade social studies books adopted by Sullivan County’s school board at its April 2 meeting despite public opposition. The board voted 5-0 to approve the adoption of all textbooks, including the McGraw-Hill seventh grade “World” book that four Sullivan County board meeting public commenters and Sullivan County school board member Jane Thomas said did not treat Islam and Christianity correctly, although other members indicated that text and others on the list simply meet standards set by the Tennessee Board of Education. Opponents complained that the McGraw text equated the Christian God with Allah of Islam and misrepresented both religions.