A CIVICS LESSON: High school senior Matthew LaClair of Kearny, N.J., brought his concerns about political bias in a civics textbook to the attention of a think tank that promotes science. It issued a scathing report about the textbook.

HIS SUPPORT: Legal scholars and scientists say "American Government" by conservatives James Wilson and John Dilulio presents a skewed view of topics from global warming to separation of church and state.

NEXT STEP: The publisher now says it will review the book, as will the College Board, which oversees college-level Advanced Placement courses used in high schools.