Where Is Separation of Church And State When It Comes To Schools Teaching Islam?

"Become a Muslim warrior during the crusades or during an ancient jihad." Thus read the instructions for seventh graders in "Islam: A Simulation of Islamic History and Culture, 610-1100", a three-week curriculum produced by Interaction Publishers, Inc. In classrooms across the United States, students who follow its directions find themselves fighting mock battles of jihad against "Christian crusaders" and other assorted "infidels." Upon gaining victory, our mock-Muslim warriors "Praise Allah."

Last week the Thomas More Law Center, a public-interest law firm based in Michigan, filed a federal lawsuit to prohibit one school district, in Byron, California, from further using the Interaction materials on Islam.

In the material, Students study the Koran, recite from it, design a title page for it, and write verses of it on a banner. They act out Islam's Five Pillars of Faith, including giving zakat (Islamic alms) and going on the pilgrimage to Mecca. They also build a replica of the "sacred Kaaba" in Mecca or another holy building.

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