“It is easy to see textbook writers have a political agenda when they devote much more space to Islam than to Christianity.”

Publishers were put on notice on Friday when a divided State Board of Education vowed to reject textbooks with a pro-Islamic and anti-Christian slant, sending a message that critics say promotes fear and prejudice.

The resolution, approved by a 7-6 vote, says that multiple world history textbooks are tainted with views that demonize Christianity and favor Islam.

The move essentially delivers a warning to textbook publishers from one of their largest markets, but it can’t force their hand. Texas schoolchildren wouldn’t see changes in their history books, if any are made, until the board adopts new ones. Adoption is slated for 2012, though likely will be delayed because of budget constraints.

Various religious leaders were split on the issue, while civil-liberties groups condemned the resolution, which the board debated for about four hours.

“I want our students to learn about the Muslim world,” said board member Barbara Cargill, of The Woodlands, who made the motion supporting the resolution. “However, I want other religious groups to be treated fairly.”

The vote — which does not bind future boards — was a victory for the current social-conservative majority, which took a hit in the March primary elections.

The board’s minority bloc tried to kill the resolution, to postpone the vote to check its accuracy and to revise it so Islam wasn’t singled out, but all attempts failed.

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