November 20, 2024 – Austin, Texas
In a contentious move, the Texas State Board of Education on Friday narrowly approved a new curriculum infused with Christian teachings for kindergarten through fifth grade. The “BlueBonnet” curriculum, which draws lessons from the books of Genesis, Psalms, and the New Testament, will now be available for public schools to adopt.
The 8-7 vote highlights a deep divide within the board, with four Democrats and three Republicans opposing the measure. While the use of the curriculum will not be mandatory, schools that adopt it will receive additional funding, creating an incentive for districts to incorporate the Bible-based material into their classrooms.
What Is the BlueBonnet Curriculum?
The “BlueBonnet” curriculum integrates biblical passages and themes into English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR). Advocates argue that it offers a moral framework and enriches literary understanding by exploring one of history’s most influential texts. Critics, however, contend that it blurs the line between church and state, infringing on the constitutional principle of secular public education.
The approved version of the curriculum focuses on:
Genesis and Psalms: Highlighting themes of creation, faith, and resilience.
New Testament Teachings: Emphasizing parables and moral lessons.
The State Board of Education is also considering expanding the use of the curriculum beyond ELAR to other subjects such as history and social studies, further fueling the debate.
A Deeply Divided Vote
The close 8-7 decision underscores the ideological tensions surrounding the measure. Proponents, largely from the Republican majority, argue that the curriculum aligns with Texas’s cultural and historical values. Opponents, including four Democratic board members and three Republican defectors, warn of potential legal challenges and alienation of non-Christian students.
Board member Angela Martinez, a Democrat, expressed her concerns:
“This curriculum risks violating the First Amendment by promoting one religion in a diverse, public school setting. Our students deserve education, not indoctrination.”
Conversely, Republican board member David Garrison defended the measure:
“The Bible is foundational to Western literature and philosophy. This curriculum is not about proselytizing—it’s about cultural literacy.”
National Context and Implications
The decision comes amid a broader push by Republican-led states to incorporate Christian teachings into public education. Similar measures have been debated in Florida, Tennessee, and Oklahoma, reflecting a growing national movement to redefine the role of religion in schools.
Critics argue that such measures undermine the separation of church and state, potentially marginalizing students of different faiths or no faith. Advocacy groups like the ACLU and Freedom From Religion Foundation have already signaled plans to challenge the curriculum in court.
Potential Impact on Texas Schools
While adoption of the BlueBonnet curriculum is optional, the promise of extra funding for schools that implement it raises concerns about equity and fairness. Wealthier districts may opt out without financial repercussions, while underfunded schools could feel compelled to adopt it despite reservations.
Legal analysts predict challenges based on the Supreme Court’s interpretation of the Establishment Clause, which prohibits government endorsement of religion in public schools. Past rulings, such as Abington School District v. Schempp (1963), have struck down mandatory Bible readings in classrooms, but the non-mandatory nature of the BlueBonnet curriculum could complicate legal objections.
The Texas State Board of Education’s decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over religion in public education. As the board considers expanding the curriculum into other subjects, the spotlight will remain on Texas as a battleground for the future of secular schooling.