AUSTIN – The Texas State Board of Education voted Friday in favor of including Bible teaching in public elementary schools for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.
The measure passed on an 8-7 vote on Friday. Schools can choose to use it from the ’25-’26 school year.
The curriculum, developed earlier this year by the Texas Education Agency, introduces Bible-based lessons, such as the Golden Rule, and stories from books like Genesis into classrooms. While adoption of the curriculum is optional, schools that implement it will receive additional funding.
The initiative follows a broader trend in Republican-led states seeking to integrate more religious teachings into public education.
Governor Greg Abbott has expressed support for the program, saying in a May news release that it will “enable students to better understand the connections between history, art, community, literature and religion at pivotal events such as the signing of the U.S. Constitution , the Civil Rights Movement, and the American Revolution.”
On Monday, the State Board of Education heard testimony from more than 150 teachers and parents — some in favor and some against the proposal. Opponents argued that the Christian focus of the curriculum could alienate students from other religions, while supporters emphasized the value of a more holistic approach.
This is a development story.
Grateful Dead members reflect on Phil Lesh’s impact on the band and their lives
Some homeowners in North Carolina are still unable to return home after the Helene landslides
The White House’s new rule would make weight-loss medications available to people on Medicare and Medicaid
