AUSTIN, Texas — In a preliminary vote on Tuesday, more than half of Texas State Board of Education members supported letting public schools to include Bible teachings into classrooms for students from kindergarten to fifth grade.
The new, optional Bluebonnet Learning curriculum was designed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Public schools that choose to adopt the curriculum could receive additional funding annually.
A final vote is expected to take place Friday. Officials still have until late Wednesday to address revisions and public concerns.
Other states have pursued similar measures. Oklahoma proposed biblical teachings in schools and Louisiana is facing legal challenges over mandating classroom displays of the Ten Commandments.
Supporters state that these lessons help students understand traditional American and spiritual values, history, and moral reasoning. However, critics are concerned about the emphasis on Christianity, which might alienate students from non-Christian spirtual backgrounds.
“This curriculum doesn’t meet the standards of a neutral, inclusive education,” said educator Megan Tessler, expressing concerns about indoctrination. Other critics commented that the learning materials oversimplify history of racism, slavery, and civil rights.
Proponents like Cindy Asmussen praised the initiative, “Biblical stories and values have long been foundational to classical education.”
“In my view, these stories are on the education side and are establishing cultural literacy,” Houston Republican Will Hickman said. “There are religious concepts like the Golden Rule and Moses that all students should be exposed to.”
Education officials said that Christian refences would help students better understand U.S. history, while complying with the Constitution’s Establishment Clause. State leaders also claimed the curriculum covers various faiths and relies on cognitive science to improve outcomes.
