On Monday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H. Con Res. 275 urging the government of Saudi Arabia to speed up educational reform in that country. Of particular interest are the findings in the "Whereas" clauses of the Resolution that focus on the nature of religious education in the Saudi Kingdom. The introductory clauses point out that "Islamic religious education is compulsory in public and private schools at all levels in Saudi Arabia" and that "the religious curriculum is written, monitored, and taught by followers of the Wahhabi interpretation of Islam, the only religion the Government of Saudi Arabia allows to be taught".
The preamble go on to say that "rote memorization of religious texts continues to be a central feature of much of the educational system of Saudi Arabia, leaving thousands of students unprepared to function in the global economy of the 21st century." It continues: "some textbooks in Saudi Arabian schools foster intolerance, ignorance, and anti-Semitic, anti-American, and anti-Western views", and "these intolerant views instilled in students make them prime recruiting targets of terrorists and other extremist groups".
The vote on the Resolution was 351 Yes; 1 No; 2 voting Present. Here is the floor debate on the measure. The lone No vote was Republican Texas Congressman Ron Paul.
