By a one-vote margin, the Texas State Board of Education approved optional biblical teachings in the state’s elementary public school curriculum.
The curriculum, Bluebonnet Learning, includes Christian teachings and biblical references, such as Jesus’ parable of “The Good Samaritan” and the “Golden Rule.” The Texas Tribune reported that school districts can choose whether to use the curriculum, but the state will offer districts $60 per student to implement the Christian-based lessons. All four Democrats on the board voted against approving the curriculum, along with three Republicans.
The curriculum was also supported by Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who said the lessons would “allow our students to better understand the connection of history, art, community, literature and religion on pivotal events like the signing of the U.S. Constitution, the Civil Rights Movement and the American Revolution,” according to The New York Times.
Staci Childs, a Democrat and attorney who voted against the curriculum’s approval, said it will likely be challenged in court.
“So if those facts alone, if a parent or a teacher who didn’t feel comfortable teaching this were to bring this up to a court, I believe they would be successful,” she said, according to NBC News. “And in my good conscience, in protecting my bar license, I just do not feel that these materials are yet reflective of the experiences and the nuance of Texas students.”
Other Democrats on the board who voted against the curriculum’s approval expressed concern that it would force Christianity on public school children, according to The Texas Tribune. Republican Will Hickman, on the other hand, argued that it’s important for students to “be exposed to” the Bible’s teachings.
“In my view, these stories are on the education side and are establishing cultural literacy,” Hickman said. “And there’s religious concepts like the Good Samaritan and the Golden Rule and Moses that all students should be exposed to.”
CHECK OUT THE DAILY WIRE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
Earlier this week, parents spoke at the State Board of Education with some arguing against the curriculum and others defending it, arguing that Christianity and the Bible are inseparable from American history. The New York Times reported that one mother, who is also a substitute teacher, told the board that Jesus’ incarnation “is and always will be the hinge of all of history.”
“How would the canceling of such fundamental facts serve the education of our children or contribute to shape them morally?” she asked.
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By a one-vote margin, the Texas State Board of Education approved optional biblical teachings in the state’s elementary public school curriculum.
The curriculum, Bluebonnet Learning, includes Christian teachings and biblical references, such as Jesus’ parable of “The Good Samaritan” and the “Golden Rule.” The Texas Tribune reported that school districts can choose whether to use the curriculum, but the state will offer districts $60 per student to implement the Christian-based lessons. All four Democrats on the board voted against approving the curriculum, along with three Republicans.
The curriculum was also supported by Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who said the lessons would “allow our students to better understand the connection of history, art, community, literature and religion on pivotal events like the signing of the U.S. Constitution, the Civil Rights Movement and the American Revolution,” according to The New York Times.
Staci Childs, a Democrat and attorney who voted against the curriculum’s approval, said it will likely be challenged in court.
“So if those facts alone, if a parent or a teacher who didn’t feel comfortable teaching this were to bring this up to a court, I believe they would be successful,” she said, according to NBC News. “And in my good conscience, in protecting my bar license, I just do not feel that these materials are yet reflective of the experiences and the nuance of Texas students.”
Other Democrats on the board who voted against the curriculum’s approval expressed concern that it would force Christianity on public school children, according to The Texas Tribune. Republican Will Hickman, on the other hand, argued that it’s important for students to “be exposed to” the Bible’s teachings.
“In my view, these stories are on the education side and are establishing cultural literacy,” Hickman said. “And there’s religious concepts like the Good Samaritan and the Golden Rule and Moses that all students should be exposed to.”
CHECK OUT THE DAILY WIRE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
Earlier this week, parents spoke at the State Board of Education with some arguing against the curriculum and others defending it, arguing that Christianity and the Bible are inseparable from American history. The New York Times reported that one mother, who is also a substitute teacher, told the board that Jesus’ incarnation “is and always will be the hinge of all of history.”
“How would the canceling of such fundamental facts serve the education of our children or contribute to shape them morally?” she asked.
“}]]
