August, 28, 2005.

California History-Social Curriculum Commission Members
And
California State Board of Education Members

Sub: Adoption of Social studies textbooks to be used in California schools.

As a practicing child psychiatrist and a Hindu parent of two children, I object to the adoption of 6th Grade History-Social Science textbooks currently being considered by the State Board of Education in California.

I believe that the textbooks proposed for adoption do not adequately and correctly present the belief systems of Hinduism and core values of Indian culture. The textbooks contain derogatory and prejudicial views of Hinduism and emphasize stereotypes. They also contain inaccurate statements about Hinduism.

As a physician, I have treated a diverse pool of patients, many of whom have gone through traumatic experiences that have been caused by religious misunderstanding and intolerance. Children feel conflicted about what is being taught at home versus the school textbooks. These have harmful long-term effects on the Hindu children and create a negative feeling about India in their minds and among their peers.

Our children are our future, and we have entrusted our schools to impart correct knowledge to them. We cannot continue to raise our children in an environment of bias and misconception. I strongly feel that educators have a responsibility to teach children in a non-prejudicial way. Sincerely,
(Vijayalakshmi Appareddy, M.D.,)