Three California parents are requesting that the state’s public school system be stopped from asking kinds to recite prayers to Aztec deities, gods that have been worshiped with human sacrifice. The parents also argued that the act violates the U.S. Constitution.
Earlier this year, the issue raised concerns after researcher Chris Rufo notably reported on that aspect of the state’s ethnic studies curriculum. The curriculum suggests chants that invoke the deity Tezkatlipoka.
Tezkatlipoka was an Aztec god worshiped with human sacrifices. According to World History, a man with his heart would be sacrificed to honor the deity. In Aztec religion, Tezkatlipoka was one of the four sons of Ometecuhtli and Omecihuatl. Also known as the god of providence, he is associated with a variety of concepts, including hurricanes, jaguars, the night winds, the night sky, and many many more.
The model curriculum was described as “blatantly unconstitutional” by representatives for the parents.
“Our clients are not opposed to having students learn about different cultures and religions, including the practices of the Aztecs. But the California State Board of Education’s approved Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum goes far beyond that by directing students to pray to Aztec deities. This portion of the Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum is not only offensive, but blatantly unconstitutional.” Representatives for the parents told Fox News.
“Defendants from authorizing, promoting or permitting the use of Aztec prayers and the ‘Ashe’ chant in California’s public schools and also requiring Defendants to direct those under their authority not to use the Aztec prayer or ‘Ashe’ chant in public schools.”
