What’s Happening with the Texas Education Board and Bible Studies in Schools?

There’s a lot of talk in Texas right now. People are debating whether public schools, including elementary schools, should allow Bibles in classrooms. They are also considering whether to offer Bible-related lessons.

Who Decides What Happens in Schools?

In Texas, a group called the State Board of Education (SBOE) makes big decisions. They determine what kids learn in public schools. They establish rules for textbooks and materials. They also create standards for subjects like math, science, and history. Recently, some people have pushed for the Bible to be included in classrooms, even for young kids in elementary school. Currently, public high schools in Texas have the option to teach Bible classes as electives. These classes should focus on history or literature. They are not meant to focus on religion. A small group in the SBOE has approved a new idea to allow Bibles in younger grades. Now the Texas legislature (the state’s law-making group) will vote on whether it should happen statewide.

How Did we Get Here?

Here’s a brief timeline:

• June 2023: Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed House Bill 1605 into law.
• May 2024: The Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the State Board of Education (SBOE) unveiled this proposal. They received open feedback in September of this year.
• November 2024: The board spent time in meetings to discuss the curriculum with Bluebonnet Learning. They focused on state-developed instructional materials that provides teachers with the tools to foster student success.

Why Is This a Big Deal?

This is a hot topic. It’s about more than just school materials. It’s about who gets to decide what kids learn. Some parents want their children to learn values that match their beliefs. Others think public schools should stay neutral. They believe schools should not involve religion.

There’s also a law called the First Amendment, which says:

1. The government (and public schools) can’t promote one religion over another.
2. Everyone has the right to practice their own religion.

Public schools must follow this law. If the Texas legislature votes to allow Bibles in classrooms, they’ll need to make sure it doesn’t cross legal boundaries.

What Does This Have to Do with Parents’ Rights?

Former President Donald Trump and other leaders often talk about parents’ rights in education. This means parents should have a bigger say in what their kids are taught. The idea of adding Bibles to classrooms fits into this movement. Some parents feel their values aren’t being reflected in schools. But not all parents agree. Some think schools should stay focused on education, not religion. They argue that public schools serve families from many different backgrounds and beliefs.

What About Federal Rules?

Education rules are usually decided at the state level. However, the federal government can intervene. This is especially true when it comes to protecting rights. For example, if a school promotes one religion too much, it might break federal rules. Some politicians want to give states like Texas even more control over education. They’ve even suggested getting rid of the U.S. Department of Education, which helps fund schools and enforces federal rules. If that happens, states like Texas could make their own decisions. They could decide about things like Bibles in classrooms without as much interference. However, there might be fewer protections for parents or students who disagree.

Why Does This Matter to You?

If you’re a college student thinking about these changes, here’s what it could mean:

• For Families: Parents might have more say in what their kids learn. However, it could also mean fewer protections for kids from diverse backgrounds.
• For Schools: Schools could face lawsuits if they don’t balance religion with education properly.
• For Students: The debate is part of a bigger question. It concerns what public education should look like in the future. Should it be neutral, or should it reflect specific values?

What’s Next?

The Texas legislature will vote on this issue this Friday, Nov. 20. If it passes, schools could start including Bibles or Bible-based lessons in their classrooms. Whether you agree with it or not, it’s a reminder that education is deeply connected to politics. The decisions made today will shape what future generations learn.

Check out my YouTube video where I get deeper in this topic.