Could Texas public elementary school classrooms soon be teaching lessons on the Bible? This week, the Texas education board voted 8–7 to approve a new curriculum that frequently incorporates religious teachings into typical lessons. While supporters claim that the curriculum doesn't proselytize to children—and covers multiple religions, not just Christianity—critics argue that the curriculum amounts to unconstitutional religious instruction.
The Texas State Board of Education approved the state-developed curriculum, which will be optional, in a preliminary vote on Tuesday. The curriculum, called Bluebonnet Learning, contains largely typical elementary-level lessons. However, the smattering of religious references in the curriculum is far from subtle, and tends to focus on Christian teaching while leaving education about other religions in the background.
