Texas Board of Education Votes to Approve Bible Teachings in Schools

The Texas State Board of Education has voted to approve a new public school curriculum integrating Bible stories and lessons based on the ancient text. This controversial decision, passed by a narrow 8-7 vote, allows public schools to offer the curriculum as an optional program for kindergarten through fifth-grade students.

While proponents see the move as a return to educational fundamentals, critics argue it blurs the line between church and state, sparking intense debate over its implications for religious freedom.

The newly approved curriculum introduces foundational Christian and Jewish teachings to students through Bible passages. For example, kindergarteners will learn about the Golden Rule, found in the book of Matthew.

Other grade-specific lessons include:

• First Grade: A study of “The Parable of the Prodigal Son” from the New Testament.
• Third Grade: A unit on ancient Rome that discusses the life of Jesus Christ and the role of Christianity in the Roman Empire.
• Fifth Grade: A poetry unit that incorporates a psalm alongside other secular poems.

Teachers are instructed to present the Bible as a “collection of ancient texts” that forms the foundation of both Jewish and Christian religions.

To encourage adoption, the curriculum offers financial incentives, providing schools $60 per enrolled student.

Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) praised the initiative, describing it as a step toward improving educational standards and giving parents greater access to materials.

“Bluebonnet Learning will bring students back to the basics of education,” Abbott wrote on social media. “These materials are voluntary & free for schools. We’ll also empower parents with access to the materials online. This is a critical step to provide students with the fundamentals to lead successful lives.”

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the curriculum’s potential to boost student performance statewide.

“In districts where high-quality curriculum has already been implemented, results have been fantastic, showcasing strong improvements in student outcomes,” Patrick said. “This vote ensures students will receive appropriate grade-level instruction and is an important step forward.”

Opponents of the curriculum, including civil rights organizations, have labeled the move as unconstitutional and a violation of religious freedom.

Rachel Laser, CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, condemned the decision, stating, “Parents and families, not politicians or government officials, should get to decide if, when, and how their children engage with religion.”

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas also criticized the curriculum. Caro Achar, the ACLU’s engagement coordinator for free speech, called it a violation of constitutional principles.

“The Bluebonnet curriculum flagrantly disregards religious freedom, a cornerstone of our nation since its founding,” Achar said. “The same politicians censoring what students can read now want to impose state-sponsored religion onto our public schools. We urge districts to reject this optional curriculum and uphold a public school education that honors the religious diversity and constitutional rights of Texas students.”

The Texas decision aligns with similar efforts in other states. Louisiana is working to introduce the Ten Commandments into classrooms, while Oklahoma has proposed Bible-based lessons for public schools.

These initiatives reflect a growing trend among conservative leaders to reintroduce religious themes into public education, framing it as a way to restore moral and historical context to learning.

Supporters argue that such programs teach important values and cultural heritage, while opponents warn that they risk alienating students of different faiths and undermining the secular foundation of public education.

The inclusion of Bible teachings in public school curricula has reignited the age-old debate about the role of religion in public education. Advocates contend that the Bible is a critical historical and literary text that deserves a place in classrooms.

Critics, however, argue that such programs inherently favor one religion over others and may ostracize non-Christian students. They also fear that state endorsement of religious content could set a precedent for further entanglement of religion and government.

While the curriculum is optional, the financial incentives and public support from state leaders may encourage widespread adoption. However, school districts that choose to implement the program could face legal challenges from civil rights groups.

For now, the Texas State Board of Education has made its decision, joining a growing number of states pushing to bring religion back into the classroom. Whether this move revitalizes education or deepens cultural divisions remains to be seen, as the nation continues to grapple with the balance between religious freedom and secular governance.