FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Imelda Mejia (she/hers), 602-510-4534, [email protected]
AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) today voted 8-7 to move forward with approval for a controversial, Bible-infused reading curriculum developed by the state for K-5 public school students. The Texas Freedom Network expressed deep concern about its potential impact on student religious freedom and educational equity.
“The board’s vote represents a troubling attempt to turn public schools into Sunday schools that promote a narrow religious perspective, undermining the freedom of families to direct the religious education of their own children,” said Carisa Lopez, Texas Freedom Network Deputy Director. “Our founders understood that protecting religious liberty means preventing government from favoring any particular faith. This curriculum crosses that line by forcing Bible study on students regardless of families’ beliefs, disregarding the diverse religious traditions of Texas.”
The vote was on whether to keep the state’s Bluebonnet Learning materials on a list of instructional materials recommended by the state’s education commissioner for approval by the full board. Three Republicans joined four Democrats in opposing the Bluebonnet materials. The board must still vote today to advance all instructional materials up for adoption to a final vote on Friday.
The deciding vote for the Bluebonnet curriculum came from a member appointed to fill a vacancy by Gov. Greg Abbott just days before a November 5 special election. The Republican appointee replaced a Democrat who resigned to run for the Texas House of Representatives. The only candidate in the special election for the seat was a Democrat in a heavily Democratic district.
The curriculum has drawn significant criticism from religious studies scholars, faith leaders, and parents for its disproportionate emphasis on Christian narratives and its potential to marginalize students of different religious backgrounds.
The Texas Freedom Network remains committed to protecting religious freedom and ensuring that public education serves all students, regardless of their faith or cultural background.
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The Texas Freedom Network (tfn.org) is a grassroots organization of religious and community leaders and young Texans building an informed and effective movement for equality and social justice.
