Board of Education In Texas Votes to Approve Bible Teachings in Schools [WATCH]

The Texas State Board of Education voted on Friday to approve a new optional public school curriculum that includes stories from the Bible and lessons based on the ancient text.

The decision, which passed with a narrow 8-7 vote, allows public schools to implement the curriculum for students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade.

The curriculum, which has sparked both support and criticism, provides financial incentives for schools that choose to adopt it, offering $60 per student in funding.

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The curriculum’s content includes teaching foundational Christian and Jewish concepts through Bible passages, such as introducing kindergarten students to the Golden Rule, found in the book of Matthew.

Additionally, teachers are instructed to explain that the Bible is a “collection of ancient texts” and that its books form the core of Jewish and Christian religions.

Other lessons featured in the curriculum include a first-grade unit on “The Parable of the Prodigal Son” from the New Testament, a third-grade unit on ancient Rome that covers the life of Jesus Christ and Christianity’s role in the Roman Empire, and a fifth-grade unit that introduces a psalm from the Bible as a supplement to other poems studied in class.

While the approval has drawn praise from some state leaders, it has also faced backlash from critics who argue the curriculum is unconstitutional and favors Christianity at the expense of other religions.

Rachel Laser, CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, voiced strong opposition, saying, “Parents and families, not politicians or government officials, should get to decide if, when and how their children engage with religion.” The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas also criticized the move, calling it a violation of religious freedom. Caro Achar, the ACLU’s engagement coordinator for free speech, stated,

“The Bluebonnet curriculum flagrantly disregards religious freedom, a cornerstone of our nation since its founding. The same politicians censoring what students can read now want to impose state-sponsored religion onto our public schools. We urge districts to reject this optional curriculum and uphold a public school education that honors the religious diversity and constitutional rights of Texas students.”

Despite the controversy, state leaders have expressed strong support for the curriculum.

Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) praised the decision, calling it a step toward “bringing students back to the basics of education.” He added, “Bluebonnet Learning will bring students back to the basics of education. These materials are voluntary & free for schools. We’ll also empower parents with access to the materials online. This is a critical step to provide students with the fundamentals to lead successful lives.”

Bluebonnet Learning will bring students back to the basics of education.

These materials are voluntary & free for schools. We’ll also empower parents with access to the materials online.

This is a critical step to provide students with the fundamentals to lead successful lives. pic.twitter.com/6hDoIhFpfT

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) November 22, 2024

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick also backed the initiative, saying it would ensure that all students receive appropriate grade-level instruction.

“Improving public education has been one of my top goals since I arrived in the Texas Senate. In districts where high-quality curriculum has already been implemented, results have been fantastic, showcasing strong improvements in student outcomes. Today’s [Texas Board of Education] vote for high-quality curriculum will ensure all students are receiving appropriate grade-level instruction and is an important step to boosting student outcomes statewide,” Patrick posted on X.

Improving public education has been one of my top goals since I arrived in the Texas Senate. In districts where high-quality curriculum has already been implemented, results have been fantastic, showcasing strong improvements in student outcomes. Today’s @txsboe vote for…

— Office of the Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (@LtGovTX) November 22, 2024

The Texas State Board of Education’s decision comes as other states, such as Louisiana and Oklahoma, have also pushed for the inclusion of religious content in public schools.

Louisiana is working to get the Ten Commandments in public classrooms, while Oklahoma is advocating for the inclusion of Bible-based lessons.

With the approval of this new curriculum, Texas joins a growing number of states aiming to introduce more religious themes and teachings into public education, sparking ongoing debate over the role of religion in schools.

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