A member of the public on Sept. 30 sharply criticized a recently adopted African‑American studies/AP course textbook and urged the Abington Board of School Directors to pull the material; board members pushed back, defending the district’s curriculum and saying students should learn accurate, sometimes uncomfortable history.

Joe Rooney, a public commenter, said the course “treats our students like pawns” and called the book partisan in its framing. “This book should be pulled from Abington School District, and taxpayers should have their money refunded,” Rooney said, alleging the text emphasized certain narratives over others and criticizing editorial choices in the volume purchased for the course.

Board member Tariq Mohammed responded at the end of the meeting, calling the textbook controversy a defense-of-truth issue. “Truth in history is not Marxist,” Mohammed said. “It is unveiling truths that have been hidden for centuries in this country. And knowing that truth in history is more important now than ever.” Other board members also expressed support for teaching the course and said they had reviewed the materials and believe students can handle the content.

Why it matters: curriculum questions can provoke strong community response because they shape classroom learning and community values. The board did not take formal action to remove or alter the textbook at the meeting. Administrators said the course was approved through district processes; board members said they would continue to defend curricular decisions rooted in academic standards.

Board discussion emphasized confidentiality around student matters and civility around public comment, and several board members thanked Mr. Mohammed and others for their statements defending the instructional materials.