AUSTIN (March 12, 2010)--The Texas State Board of Education agreed Friday to new social studies standards after the board’s far-right faction wielded its power to shape the lessons that will be taught to millions of students on American history, the U.S. free enterprise system, religion and other topics.

In a vote of 10-5, the board preliminarily adopted the new curriculum after days of charged debate marked by race and politics.

The vote was initially reported to be 11-4, but board member Rene Nunez said his “no” vote was incorrectly recorded.

In dozens of smaller votes over the three days, the ultra-conservatives who dominate the board nixed all but a few efforts to recognize the diversity of race and religion in Texas.

An amendment to ensure that children learn the United States was founded on the principle of religious freedom failed, however.

Decisions by the board, which has long been led by the social conservatives who have advocated ideas such as teaching more about the weaknesses of evolutionary theory, affects textbook content nationwide because Texas is one of publishers' biggest clients.

Democrat Mavis Knight of Dallas voted against the standards.

"We have been about conservatism versus liberalism,” she said Friday.

“We have manipulated strands to insert what we want it to be in the document, regardless as to whether or not it's appropriate."