Board chided about Islam

By ROB SHAW | The Tampa Tribune
Published: January 25, 2012

TAMPA --

Some wore neckties that resembled U.S. flags. Some were parents or grandparents. One was not yet even a teenager.

They all were united by a mission. And one by one, the speakers took the Hillsborough County School Board to task Tuesday over what they said was the improper teaching of Islam in a high school classroom last year by the leader of the local Council on American-Islamic Relations.

They said the presentation by CAIR's Hassan Shibly — made to an advanced-placement world history class in November at Steinbrenner High — was a threat to children, to schools, to America.

"As a father to a child, this breaks my heart to know this is even considered in the schools," said William Terrell of Tampa.

"CAIR funds homicide bombers to do what they do. They fund the ability of rockets being shot into Israel," said Ryan Italiano, an 11-year-old who is home-schooled.

"Why you'll let this religion be taught in our schools but you won't let the religion that this country was made of be taught in the schools. What's the point in teaching religion that caused the twin towers to fall down?"

Finally, after 17 speakers on the topic, and with dozens more anti-CAIR forces in the crowd who didn't speak, school board Chairwoman Candy Olson had heard enough. And she unleashed on the group.

"Our teachers do need to give our students a broad view of the world," she said, clearly irritated. "The Muslim faith is here to stay. I don't think we can protect our children from the fact that there are people in this world who believe in Islam."

She called those in the audience out of touch and criticized what she labeled a negative and mostly anonymous e-mail campaign that she said was meant to intimidate.

"This was one speaker for part of one class. This wasn't an indoctrination," Olson said. "How dare you show such disdain for people who are by and large competent professionals? It is essential, it is imperative we support our teachers in showing a broad view of the world."

Olson said that despite speakers' statements to the contrary, there were plenty of opportunities for other faiths to be present in the schools. After all, Olson said, there are Bible studies and clubs such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Superintendent MaryEllen Elia told board members the district is required by state standards to teach about different religions. That's a big difference, she said, from being a proponent for them.

"They are not supporting terrorists in our schools," Elia said. "It's an insult to our teachers and our principals to indicate that they are."

School board member Stacy White drew a distinction between the message and the messenger.

White suggested that outside speakers don't have to be brought in to teach about different world religions.

"We have to think about how these individuals are screened," he said. "How can we be assured they are not coming into the classroom with the intent to proselytize the students? Should we have parents made aware of an outside speaker coming into the classroom?"

Many of those in the audience were unhappy with Olson's lambasting.

"Oh my God. We need to get rid of her," one woman said on the way out of the meeting.

Shibly, CAIR's attorney and executive director, said he has made numerous similar presentations to schools, college classes and community groups. He usually gives the history of Islam, stresses that the vast majority of Muslims are peaceful and highlights areas where Muslims and Christians share values, he said. He usually ends with a few minutes of questions and answers and tries to dispel misconceptions about Islam and Muslims and preach the value of tolerance and diversity, he said.

"I don't want to make their kids grow up Muslim," Shibly said. "I just want my kids to be able to grow up and practice their faith without being bullied."

Editor Todd Pratt contributed to this report.