Texas Schools Make History With Bible-Infused Curriculum
The Texas State Board of Education has approved a new curriculum allowing elementary schools to incorporate optional Bible-based lessons, aligning Texas with other Republican-led states advocating for greater religious inclusion in public education. This curriculum, designed for kindergarten through fifth grade, integrates Bible teachings into subjects like reading and language arts. Participation is optional for school districts, but those choosing to adopt the lessons will receive additional state funding.
The board’s final decision, made on Friday, followed a close preliminary vote earlier in the week endorsing Bluebonnet Learning, a curriculum developed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). This initiative stems from legislation passed in 2023 by the Republican-controlled state legislature. Despite being backed by most Republican board members, three, including Pam Little (R-Fairview), a self-identified Christian conservative, joined the board’s Democrats in opposing the curriculum. Little was recently re-elected to the board for another term.
Supporters, including Governor Greg Abbott, have praised the move as a way to deepen students’ understanding of American history and culture, highlighting the Bible’s influence on the nation’s foundation. Proponents argue that the curriculum will enhance comprehension of historical and literary contexts, citing biblical references’ pervasive impact on American traditions and language.
Keisha Russell, senior counsel at First Liberty Institute, endorsed the decision, stating that Supreme Court rulings have upheld the Bible’s use in education across various disciplines, including history, literature, and government. Russell expressed strong support for the board’s action.
However, the decision has drawn considerable criticism, with opponents arguing that the curriculum heavily emphasizes Christian teachings, potentially marginalizing students from non-Christian or non-religious backgrounds. During a public meeting in Austin, over 100 participants voiced impassioned arguments both for and against the curriculum. Supporters emphasized the Bible’s historical significance, while critics warned of potential religious indoctrination in public schools.
South Asian Americans for Voter Empowerment Texas (SAAVETX) is among the groups opposing the curriculum. The organization, which advocates for diverse South Asian communities, argues the lessons undermine religious freedom and fail to reflect Texas’ multicultural population. They claim the curriculum disproportionately focuses on Christianity, neglecting the contributions of other religious traditions.
Texas, home to approximately 740,000 Hindus and a significant Indian-American population, faces evolving religious demographics. Despite this, the curriculum is poised for implementation in the coming school year. Similar initiatives are gaining momentum in other Republican-led states, such as Oklahoma, where the education department has mandated placing Bibles in classrooms, and Louisiana, which plans to display the Ten Commandments in public schools.