Texas officials are moving forward with a proposal to incorporate Bible-based lessons into public school curriculums for kindergarten through fifth grade, sparking significant debate over the role of religion in public education.
On Tuesday, the State Board of Education voted 8-7 to include the Bluebonnet Learning curriculum on the approved list of instructional materials for the 2025-26 school year. This curriculum emphasizes Christian teachings while incorporating limited references to other religions, prompting sharp criticism from educators, parents, and religious freedom advocates.
Curriculum Highlights and Controversy
Key lessons include:
- Kindergarten: Teaching the “Golden Rule” through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, alongside brief mentions of other faiths.
- First Grade: A unit on storytelling featuring the Parable of the Prodigal Son from the New Testament.
- Third Grade: Lessons on ancient Rome that heavily focus on the life of Jesus and early Christianity.
- Fifth Grade: A poetry unit includes biblical Psalms alongside works by Robert Frost and William Carlos Williams, but excludes texts from other religious traditions.
Critics, including the Texas AFT educators’ union, argue the curriculum disproportionately prioritizes Christianity, violating the constitutional separation of church and state. Barbara Baruch, a Jewish grandmother, expressed concerns about government interference in religious upbringing, saying, “I believe my grandkids should share our family’s religion. Don’t let the government interfere with anyone’s religious choice.”
Mark Chancey, a religious studies professor at Southern Methodist University, called the materials “fundamentally flawed,” emphasizing they privilege Christianity and include inaccuracies.
Supporters’ Perspective
Proponents argue the lessons offer students a well-rounded education on faith’s historical and cultural significance. Jonathan Covey of Texas Values described the curriculum as “contextually relevant” and inclusive of various traditions. Glenn Melvin, another supporter, asserted the materials do not violate the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause.
Broader Religious Push in Schools
The debate is part of a larger trend in Texas and other Republican-led states to integrate Christianity into public education. Last year, Texas approved hiring uncertified religious chaplains as school counselors and proposed requiring classrooms to display the Ten Commandments. Similar measures in other states, such as Louisiana and Oklahoma, have faced legal challenges for violating constitutional protections.
Final Decision Pending
The Texas State Board of Education will finalize its decision on Friday after considering revisions and public testimony. With intense scrutiny on the curriculum’s potential implications for public education and religious freedom, this vote could set a precedent for other states grappling with the intersection of religion and education.