Texas protesters rally against controversial Mexican American heritage textbook

HOUSTON (KGO) -- A controversial textbook about Mexican American heritage could make its way into Texas classrooms.

It's getting the failing grade from many Hispanics and garnering national attention.

Some say the controversial book depicts Mexicans as being lazy.

It's called "Mexican American Heritage." According to those who have read it, the book contains offensive racial stereotypes and disparages Mexican Americans.

"It's bigger than all of us. It's about the integrity of Texas and ability for Texas to tell the truth. It's about respecting our cultures, traditions and respecting us as human beings," opponent Juvenal Cardona said.

Protesters stood on the steps of the Texas capitol building. They say the textbook contains clear discrimination and violates federal law.

"If the state approves this textbook, it will officially condone the offensive racial characterization of Mexicans and other groups," a protester said.

Meanwhile, online, the hashtag #RejectTheText is trending.

Texas congressman Joaquin Castro had a scathing tweet, saying, "The textbook represents yet another attempt by a TX Republican crony who has no background in the subject matter to sell a book to old pals."

Inside Edition reporter Lisa Guerrero tweeted, "The textbook on Mexican American 'history' contains racist stereotypes. I stand w those that #RejectTheText."

The book is for an elective class only available in a few Texas school districts, but was the only one submitted for consideration.

If it's approved, it would be up to the individual district to determine if it's used, so those districts will ultimately have the final say.