NC school teaches Muslims' faith stronger than Christians'

INDIAN TRAIL, N.C. (Christian Examiner) -- A North Carolina mother was surprised to see what a fill-in-the-blank worksheet revealed her ninth grade son had been learning in his freshman world history class this week.

The Porter Ridge High School freshman brought home a score of "100" on an in-class project comparing "Peaceful Islam" to "Radical Fundamental Islam." The two-page assignment (seen here and here) included the question: "Most Muslims [sic] _____ ____ _____ than the average Christian.[sic]"

The student's answer "faith is stronger" completed the sentence.

Upset about the question and concerned how her son arrived at the answer led the mother to call the school.

She also contacted her local news, WJYZ-TV, a Fox affiliate, to investigate, but asked to remain anonymous to protect her son from criticism at school. The news station requested for the worksheet answer key from school officials but have not received a copy.

Although the mother did not object to the class teaching about Islam, she said she was disturbed by a seemingly subjective presentation. "If you are going to do it, let's do it right," the mother told WJYZ-TV. "I really feel there is a spin on this."

The mother said school officials did not clearly answer whether Christianity is taught similarly in the course, but her son said they merely "skimmed Christianity."

CBS Charlotte reported the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction issued a general statement concerning the matter.

"The State Board of Education (SBE) adopts the NC Standard Course of Study – what students should know and be able to do at the end of a grade or course. The SBE does not dictate what curriculum and/or instructional materials should be used to teach the standards. Those are local school district decisions."

A Union County Public Schools spokesperson told WJZY the high school principle, Dr. Bashawn Harris, said the school would be studying Christianity more in depth.