Growing Opposition to Proposed Curriculum
A petition opposing the teaching of Biblical lessons in Texas public schools has rapidly gained traction, amassing thousands of signatures in just two weeks. Faithful America, an organization that advocates for social justice and opposes “Christian nationalism,” launched the petition on September 13 in response to a proposal from the Texas Education Agency.
Proposal Overview
The proposed curriculum would allow elementary school teachers to incorporate the Bible into their reading and language arts lessons. The Texas Board of Education is set to vote on this curriculum in November, which could allocate up to $60 per student in additional funding for school districts that choose to implement these Bible-infused materials.
This initiative is part of a broader movement by Texas officials to introduce Christian teachings into public education. Similar efforts have been observed nationally, such as the Oklahoma Department of Education’s recent directive to incorporate the Bible into lessons about U.S. history and its influence on Western culture, including human rights and law.
Petition Highlights
Faithful America’s petition currently has over 15,000 signatures, with a goal of reaching 20,000. The petition condemns the proposed curriculum, arguing for the separation of church and state. It states, “Our nation was founded on the principle of the separation of church and state—a phrase that comes from Thomas Jefferson’s explanation of the First Amendment. Forcing our faith on others is theocracy, and such coercion is not what Christ-like love looks like.”
The petition calls on the Texas Board of Education to “respect the religious freedom of all Texas students and stop considering a Bible-based curriculum for the classroom.”
Community Reactions
Earlier this month, the Texas Board of Education held a public hearing regarding the proposed curriculum. Education reporter Keri Heath, who has been covering the topic, spoke with several parents at the hearing. Many attendees, including Christians, expressed concerns that the Bible stories included in the curriculum did not align with their interpretations or those of other faiths. They preferred to discuss their beliefs in their homes or places of worship.
Conversely, proponents of the curriculum argued that America was founded on Christian principles and that incorporating Biblical stories would help students understand history from that perspective.
Conclusion
As the Texas Board of Education prepares to make a decision, the growing opposition to the proposed Bible curriculum highlights the ongoing debate over the role of religion in public education. With voices from both sides advocating their perspectives, the outcome will significantly impact Texas students and the state’s educational landscape.
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