The Texas State Board of Education recently approved a measure that would permit an optional curriculum that includes Bible-based teachings in elementary schools amid a wave of pro-faith efforts across Republican states around the country.
The optional curriculum that districts can adopt would incorporate biblical teachings across education disciplines. While the curriculum is not mandatory for districts to implement, those who elect to do so are eligible to receive additional funding from the state.
Upon the approval of the curriculum, leaders across the state have praised the initiative, such as Gov. Greg Abbott, who like many proponents of the Bible in schools, believe it will enhance the learning experience for Texas youth. Many believe the Bible is an integral part of American history, as it influenced many of the founding fathers in the early days of the United States.
Senior counsel for religious advocacy group First Liberty Institute Keisha Russell praised the initiative stating, “Supreme Court precedent has repeatedly confirmed that the Bible is appropriate for instruction in history, literature, poetry, music, art, government, social customs, values, and behavioral sciences. We fully support the Texas State Board of Education’s decision.”
The Christian Tribune has reported on other measures in red states across the nation that seek to bring the Bible back into America’s classroom in an attempt to restore the presence of faith in public schools, which was ubiquitous in past generations. Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters has led numerous initiatives to put the Bible in his state’s schools, such as his recent push to order 55,000 King James Version Bibles for classrooms.
“We are focused on ensuring we get Bibles available in every classroom in our state as quickly as we can,” Walters said about his efforts. “I will take every step possible to ensure Oklahoma students have the resources they need to fully understand American history.”
Walters further noted, “By acting now, Oklahoma is leading the country on a path toward greater focus on academic excellence by providing critical historical, cultural, and literary context for our students. We are not going to change our history, and the Bible is a major part of that.”
In another recent move, Oklahoma created the “Office of Religious Liberty and Patriotism.” Addressing the office, Walters said, “For decades our nation’s public schools have tragically been ground zero for the erosion of religious liberty across our country. The radical left never misses a chance to co- opt the teacher unions and their minions to indoctrinate our children against traditional values of faith and family, seeking to attack any display of faith or religion or patriotism.
He continued, “It is no coincidence that the dismantling of faith and family values in public schools directly correlates with declining academic outcomes in our public schools. In Oklahoma, we are reversing this negative trend and, working with the incoming Trump Administration, we are going to aggressively pursue education policies that will improve academic outcomes and give our children a better future.”
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