Syria’s New Government Confronts Criticism Over Modified School Curriculum
Syria’s new government has faced backlash following the announcement of changes to the school curriculum, which critics accuse of introducing an Islamist slant to teaching. The changes include modifying phrases, redefining words, and removing entire chapters from the education program.
A list of amendments published on the education ministry’s official Facebook page shows that terms such as “path of goodness” and “those who have are damned and have gone astray” are being replaced with phrases that interpret the Quran from an ultra-conservative perspective. The definition of “martyr” has also been rewritten to emphasize devotion to God, rather than simply dying for the homeland.
Furthermore, some social media users express outrage over the removal of an entire chapter on “the origins and evolution of life.” Some chapters were retained, but in modified form.
The newly formed ministry, under the leadership of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, a group formed from a former al-Qaeda affiliate, has downplayed the impact of the amendments, stating that the curricula in all Syrian schools remain unchanged until specialized committees are formed to review and audit them.
Additionally, the Education Minister Nazir Mohammad al-Qadri reiterated that the Islamic education curriculum in Syria will not significantly change, while primary schools will remain mixed gender and secondary schools will continue with their current sexual segregation.
Meanwhile, critics call into question whether the caretaker government has the authority to introduce such changes. Others are disappointed that the removal of content associated with the Assad regime is coupled with the Islamist language, considering the new administration’s promises to prioritize tolerance and inclusivity.
As the current government prepares to establish a new school system, citizens remain uncertain how long it will take to oversee the transition following its previously planned exit date, March 2025. The fate of elections, which is meant to succeed the interim rule, remains vague.