Angry backlash at Texas school over "mandatory Arabic classes."

A Texas school district put the brakes on an Arabic language program Tuesday after an angry backlash from parents made national headlines. The Mansfield school district issued a statement contradicting media reports that it was planning "mandatory Arabic classes."

"Recent concerns have been raised by parents concerning plans for the curriculum," the district said.

"Therefore, Mansfield ISD is slowing the implementation process and will be seeking input from parents in a variety of ways."

The program was being developed through a US$1.3 million (S$1.65 million) federal grant aimed at expanding the instruction of "critical" languages. More...

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