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Schools

School Board Member Skeptical of Textbook

Saucon Valley School Board member Bryan Eichfeld raised concerns over a social studies text that includes information about global warming at the board's Jan. 23 meeting.

As school board members were about to vote to adopt the new textbooks for the 2012-2013 school year at their Jan. 23 meeting, board member Bryan Eichfeld asked to table the decision due to a book he said he does not believe will benefit students.

Eichfeld’s motion did not pass, but it caused discussion among school board members and the administration.

“The book talks about global warming,” Eichfeld said. “It is presented as fact. (Global warming) is a theory and not a fact.”

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Eichfeld said he does not believe global warming is a proven fact, and said the subject may become “obsolete in a few years.”

“This smacks of censorship to me,” said board member Charles Bartolet.

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The book in question, titled "Globalization and Diversity," is not a science text. It is for a high school social studies course in global studies and world cultures.

Eichfeld asked that another book be selected for the class.

“The book fits the need for the particular course,” said assistant superintendent Carl Atkinson. “I've spoken to the department. The teacher has identified (global warming) is a topic, but it is not a major part of the course.”

Eichfeld said the book promotes a “negative connotation towards capitalism.”

“There is a big evilness in the way it is presented,” he said.

"I trust in the books selected by the professionals," said board member Lanita Lum. "I only have a problem if the way (the course) is taught becomes political."

Eichfeld said he was disappointed that the school board did not vote to at least review the book, and that he will continue to research texts used in the district.

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