### Texas School Board Approves Bible-Infused Curriculum Despite Controversy

Public schools across Texas now have the option to adopt a new state-developed curriculum that integrates Bible stories, following a contentious vote by the Texas State Board of Education. The board approved the Bluebonnet Learning materials by a narrow margin of eight to seven, allowing its inclusion in the list of K-5 reading and English language arts materials for the 2025-26 school year.

Created by the Texas Education Agency under the leadership of Commissioner Mike Morath, the Bluebonnet curriculum has sparked significant debate. Critics argue that the curriculum disproportionately favors Christianity, potentially violating the "establishment clause" of the First Amendment. However, individual school districts in Texas will ultimately decide whether to use these materials.

Adopting the state-developed curriculum could bring financial incentives for schools, including $40 per student annually, with an extra $20 for printing costs. Despite this, opposition remains strong. Board member Pam Little, a Republican, voted against the curriculum, citing concerns about its rigor and age-appropriateness for young students. She described the lessons as "overwhelming" and not conducive to developing essential reading skills.

The approval has drawn immediate criticism from various quarters, including the ACLU of Texas. The civil rights organization condemned the curriculum for infringing on religious freedom and urged school districts to reject it. Sharyn Vane, a Jewish parent, echoed these sentiments, arguing that religious education should be the responsibility of parents, not public schools.

Prominent figures, such as Governor Greg Abbott, support the new curriculum, stating it allows students to connect history, art, community, literature, and religion with pivotal events like the signing of the U.S. Constitution and the Civil Rights Movement. Nevertheless, the curriculum's focus on Christianity remains controversial, with opponents calling for a more inclusive approach that reflects Texas's diverse religious landscape.

The curriculum has received criticism for its academic content as well. Mark Chancey, a professor of religious studies, described the teachings as flawed and biased towards Christianity, warning that very young children might interpret biblical tales literally, causing potential confusion.

The introduction of the Bluebonnet Learning curriculum highlights a broader trend of infusing religion into public education within some Republican-led states. The decision in Texas follows similar contentious moves in states like Louisiana and Oklahoma, where laws mandating religious displays in public schools have faced legal challenges.

With such strong opinions on both sides, the debate over the integration of religious content in public school curricula is far from over, setting the stage for ongoing discussions about the role of religion in education and the constitutional implications of such measures.