'I's on Edjukashun': Colbert mocks Texas school board

The Texas Board of Education recently made the decision to modify textbooks in a way that teaches students a version of history that's more favorable to conservatives. As one of the largest purchasers of textbooks, Texas has the power to influence curriculum nationwide.

Stephen Colbert put it this way: "This battle isn't just about Texas, it decides which historical figures all of our children will be drawing mustaches and eye-patches on."

Last year, Texas passed an amendment that forces teachers to recognize parts of the fossil records that don't fit with the theory of evolution. This year, the state introduced more controversial ideas.

Students are mandated to learn about the unintended consequences of President Lyndon B. Johnson's Great Society program. Another ruling required that when McCarthyism is taught that students also learn "how the later release of the Venona Papers confirmed suspicions of communist infiltration in U.S. government."

Texas school board member Ken Mercer praised the changes. "American exceptionalism is back," said Mercer.

"Yes. American exceptionalism is back!" agreed Colbert. "Which I believe means that American students will be taught everything except what this guy takes exception to," he concluded.

This video is from Comedy Central's The Daily Show, broadcast March 17, 2010.