Pearson book 'suggests Moses had hand in US constitution'

Pearson, the London-listed publishing giant, has found itself at the heart of a controversy in Texas after it allegedly suggested that Moses had a hand in writing the US constitution.

One of its US politics textbooks, Madruger’s American Government, drew comparisons between Moses, the Biblical figure, writing the Ten Commandments and the founders of America drawing up the US constitution which forms the basis of US law.

“Moses helped establish a legal system, including the Ten Commandments, to govern his people,” the book said. “Similarly, the founders of the United States wrote the Constitution and established a system of laws to govern Americans.”

It added: “They were also part of a tradition that recognised the Ten Commandments as a guide for moral behaviour.”

However, Pearson has been rapped over the knuckles for stretching the comparison too far.

The Texan Freedom Network Education Fund (TFNEF), a lobby group which campaigns about religious education, said the book gave an “exaggerated impression to students about the influence of and relationship between Moses and the Founders”.

Madruger’s American Government implies that the US Constitution was heavily influenced by the Ten Commandments, the lobby group argued, whereas in fact it was largely a reaction against them.

“The legal system that Moses founded had theocratic elements, which made it very different from the republican system of law the Founders established,” TFNEF said. “Similarly, the text neglects to mention that the Founders were reacting against several of the crucial elements of the moral, legal, and political tradition associated with Moses and the Ten Commandments.”

The first edition of Madruger’s American Government was published in 1917. The book is updated annually and regarded as a classroom staple.

Pearson said on Wednesday that it "works diligently to ensure its instructional materials are compliant with Texas standards". "We are reviewing the TFN report and are listening to all interested stakeholders," it added.

The controversy comes at a time when Pearson’s American education business is coming under increasing pressure to win state education contracts.

The company issued a shock profit warning earlier this year, as public spending cut backs and a slump in college enrollments led to a decline in the US education business.

"Our biggest business, North America, is facing the most difficult trading conditions in a decade," John Fallon, Pearson’s chief executive, said at the time.

The company makes more than three quarters of its sales from education, and 60pc of its group revenues from North America. However, in the six months to July, Pearson’s North American business saw revenues decline 6pc to $1.2bn.

The company warned that margins would tighten throughout 2014 as it battled a weak market and restructured the business.