By Redacción
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Texas is on the verge of approving Bible-based lessons for elementary schools, a decision set for a final vote Friday by the Texas State Board of Education.
If passed, the changes could test the boundaries between religion and public education in the United States.
Earlier this week, the curriculum narrowly advanced in a preliminary 8-7 vote after hours of public testimony. Proponents argue the Bible is integral to American history and culture, while critics warn the proposed materials could alienate students of diverse faiths and potentially violate the First Amendment.
The curriculum would be optional for Texas schools, but districts adopting it would receive additional state funding. If approved, Texas would be the first state to introduce Bible-based lesson plans in this manner, according to Matthew Patrick Shaw, a public policy and education expert at Vanderbilt University.
A Push for Bible-Infused Education
The Texas Education Agency (TEA), which oversees public education for more than 5 million students statewide, developed the instructional materials following a 2023 law passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature. The proposed lessons, released earlier this year, draw heavily from Christian teachings in reading and language arts modules for kindergarten through fifth grade.
Critics contend the material skews toward Christianity at the expense of inclusivity, potentially alienating students of different faiths or those who are nonreligious. Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, expressed concerns about the content.
“This curriculum is not age-appropriate or subject-matter appropriate in the way it presents Bible stories,” Tyler said. “Young children lack the ability to differentiate between faith claims and factual content.”
More than 100 individuals, including parents, teachers, and advocates, testified during an emotional board meeting this week.
Supporters of the curriculum maintain that the Bible’s influence on American history and culture makes it a valuable educational tool. Mary Castle, director of government relations for Texas Values, a conservative advocacy group, emphasized the Bible’s relevance to literature and language.
“There are close to 300 common phrases in everyday use that come from the Bible,” Castle said. “Understanding these references can enrich students’ learning experience and comprehension.”
A Contentious Vote
The Texas State Board of Education consists of 15 members: 11 Republicans and four Democrats. Wednesday’s 8-7 vote signaled narrow support for the proposed materials, with one Republican member recently appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott casting a decisive vote. Abbott, a vocal supporter of the curriculum, appointed the member to temporarily fill a vacancy on the board.
The seat, however, will shift to a Democrat next year after an unopposed election, adding further complexity to the board’s dynamics.
If the curriculum passes, it remains uncertain whether the lesson plans will withstand constitutional scrutiny. Shaw noted that Texas will likely face legal challenges regarding the separation of church and state.
“The question is whether Texas can frame this curriculum in a way that avoids constitutional concerns about government endorsement of religion,” Shaw said.
Broader Efforts to Integrate Religion in Schools
Texas’ move aligns with broader efforts in Republican-led states to incorporate religion into public education.
In Louisiana, a law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms was blocked earlier this month by a federal judge. The legislation, signed by Gov. Jeff Landry in June, faced opposition from parents of various faiths who filed a lawsuit challenging its constitutionality.
In Oklahoma, state education officials have sought to introduce the Bible into lesson plans for students in fifth through 12th grades. This initiative, which includes spending $3 million to purchase Bibles for public schools, has also prompted legal challenges from teachers and parents.
Implications for Public Education
If Texas adopts the Bible-infused curriculum, it could serve as a test case for similar initiatives in other states. Critics argue such measures blur the line between religious instruction and secular education, while supporters contend that understanding the Bible’s influence is key to a well-rounded education.
The final vote by the Texas State Board of Education could set a precedent, reshaping the role of religion in public schools nationwide.
