The Texas State Board of Education approved a controversial elementary school curriculum on Friday that has faced intense scrutiny for its inclusion of biblical teachings. The curriculum, developed by the Texas Education Agency, was approved by eight of the 15 board members.
The Bluebonnet Learning program takes a cross-disciplinary approach, incorporating Christian teachings into subjects such as reading, history, and social studies. Critics, including religious scholars, argue that the curriculum disproportionately focuses on Christianity, potentially leading to discrimination against non-Christian students and violating the principle of church-state separation. Supporters, however, contend that the inclusion of Christian references will help students better understand the country’s history and cultural literacy.
The approval of the curriculum has sparked heated debate, with some board members and community groups expressing concerns over its potential to undermine public education and promote a specific religious viewpoint.
Three Republicans and all four Democrats on the board opposed the materials, citing issues such as age appropriateness and the lack of clear evidence supporting its educational benefits. While Texas school districts can choose whether to adopt the curriculum, the state is offering financial incentives for adoption.
The decision has drawn criticism from both national organizations, which accuse Texas of pushing Christian nationalism, and conservative groups, who argue that the curriculum represents a positive step toward improving education in the state.
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