AUSTIN— In a historic vote, the Texas State Board of Education has approved an optional K-5 Bible curriculum that could be in classrooms as soon as next school year.
AUSTIN— In a historic vote, the Texas State Board of Education has approved an optional K-5 Bible curriculum that could be in classrooms as soon as next school year.
The 8-7 vote will allow for a curriculum to be incorporated into Texas Public Schools, grades K-5, that will teach stories about Moses, the Psalms, and others.
The decision is on the heels of other states that have pushed for religious education to be taught in Public Schools. Recently, Louisiana passed a law that requires the Ten Commandments to be in all public school classrooms, and Oklahoma, there is an effort to have Bibles in classrooms. The Louisiana bill was blocked by a Federal Judge earlier this month.
Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick (R) said on social media that this “is an important step to boosting student outcomes statewide[.].”
Proponents of the legislation say this will help put commonly used phrases into context for students. Opponents say that this new curriculum could lead to First Amendment issues.
Schools that adopt the program will be eligible for additional funding, and Governor Greg Abbott has publicly supported the initiative.
The vote was taken following a public hearing in which over 100 parents, educators, and advocates testified about a decision that affects more than 5 million students in Texas public schools.