(AgapePress) August 19, 2002 - The National Education Association is advising the nation's school teachers to avoid telling students that terrorists are to blame for the September 11 attacks on America.

     The Washington Times reports that among other things, the suggested lesson plans compiled by the NEA recommend that teachers downplay the idea that terrorists are to blame, arguing the legal system has not found anyone guilty yet. But The Times says another of the suggested NEA lesson plans does appear to advocate blame -- but the blame is placed on America. For example, it urges educators to "discuss historical instances of American intolerance." [See Related Article]

     "Internment of Japanese Americans after Pearl Harbor and the backlash against Arab Americans during the Gulf War are obvious examples [of American intolerance]," the plan says. "Teachers can do lessons in class, but parents can also discuss the consequences of these events and encourage their children to suggest better choices that Americans can make this time."

     The Times quotes conservative critics who say the plans are nothing less than "cultural Marxism" in that the lessons defend all other cultures except Western civilization. William Lind of the Free Congress Foundation goes as far as to call the lesson plans "lies." He is also angry that schools continue to portray Islam as a peaceful religion, when in fact it calls on its followers to "make war on those who believe that Christ is the Messiah."

     Phyllis Schafley of Eagle Forum says schools should "leave it alone" and stick to what they are supposed to be teaching -- math, English, and science. She says there is nothing schools can add about September 11 that the children have not already seen on the media.

     According to The Times, Muslim groups are applauding the NEA's efforts -- and describe comments from critics as "anti-Muslim phobia."