Texas school officials advance Bible-infused elementary curriculum

Texas education officials have given preliminary approval to a new curriculum that includes Bible lessons for children starting in kindergarten. The proposal, which narrowly passed with an 8-7 vote by the state board of education on Tuesday, is optional for school districts. It has sparked controversy, with critics arguing it violates the constitutional principle of separation of church and state, which prohibits government endorsement of religion.

The board’s decision comes ahead of a final vote scheduled for Friday. Public interest in the matter is high, as evidenced by a marathon hearing on Monday where more than 100 individuals voiced their opinions.

Texas has been at the forefront of efforts by some Christian conservatives to integrate religion into public schools, testing the limits of U.S. law. These moves could eventually draw attention from a Supreme Court that has grown more conservative in recent years. Notably, Texas became the first state to allow chaplains in public schools last year, and Republican lawmakers are revisiting a failed bill to mandate the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms—a similar law in Louisiana is currently blocked by a federal judge.

This curriculum, critics claim, emphasizes Christianity significantly more than other religions. For example, a kindergarten lesson on the “Golden Rule” highlights the Christian perspective, particularly Jesus Christ’s Sermon on the Mount. Similarly, a third-grade unit on ancient Rome devotes substantial attention to Jesus’s life and the beginnings of Christianity, while other major religions receive comparatively less coverage.

Supporters, including Governor Greg Abbott, argue the curriculum provides valuable cultural and historical context rather than promoting religious beliefs. “This is about cultural awareness, not proselytization,” said board member Tom Maynard during the meeting.

However, opponents, such as board member Rebecca Bell-Metereau, express concern that the curriculum could alienate students from other faiths or those without religious beliefs. “Allowing any one religion to dominate risks isolating children with differing perspectives,” she noted.

Others, like Mark Chancey, a religious studies professor at Southern Methodist University, believe the material is inappropriate for young learners. He highlighted examples like a kindergarten lesson on the Genesis story, which is presented in a way that may lead children to accept its claims as literal truth.

Advocacy groups like Americans United for Separation of Church and State are closely monitoring the situation. This year alone, lawmakers in over 24 states have introduced at least 91 bills aimed at expanding the role of religion in public schools. The Texas curriculum decision could set a significant precedent in this ongoing debate.