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The Texas State Board of Education, in the United States, approved this Friday the use of a curriculum with biblical references for use in public schools, from preschool to fifth grade. The material, which contains guides for art and English classes and was written by a state agency, obtained the green light to be taught in the state’s schools with 8 votes in favor and 7 against.
The use of this plan is not mandatory, but schools have a financial incentive of $40 per student if they incorporate material from the Texas Education Agency, the branch of the state government in charge of administering public education, in their classes. For context, public schools in Texas suffer from a lack of budget and, according to a Rice University study published in August, 73% of school districts in the state are underfunded.
The texts in question have been criticized by experts and non-profit organizations in the state for including what they describe as an excess of Christian content, without important mention of other religions, bordering on “proselytism.”
The curriculum includes “extensive and biased coverage of Christianity and the Bible and suggests that this is the only religious tradition of importance,” an analysis of educational textbooks by the religious freedom organization Texas Freedom Network concluded.
For example, to explain Leonardo DaVinci’s work of art “The Last Supper” to fifth graders, the curriculum uses primarily the Christian gospel, with no emphasis on the Renaissance artistic period.
At the same time, in a curriculum art lesson for preschool students, the text of Genesis is used as an example and students are asked to identify the order in which the universe was created, according to the Christian Bible.
This Friday’s vote to approve the material comes after several days of public hearings, where students and teachers gave their opinions on the content of the school guides.
“The material does not meet the standards of honest and secular education; public schools should educate, not indoctrinate,” said teacher Megan Tessler, according to local media.
The state governor, Republican Greg Abbott, has defended the material, ensuring that it allows students to better understand “the connection between history, art, community, religion and literature.”
The decision is part of a series of attempts and measures both in Texas and in other states with Republican governments to bring religion to public education.
The Texas state Legislature has tried to approve displaying the 10 Christian Commandments in classrooms, and the governor has pushed for years to approve a plan that would allow families to use public money to finance their children’s private education.
In turn, in both Louisiana and Oklahoma, state legislatures have attempted to enact laws to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms.
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**How does the Texas curriculum’s emphasis on biblical references potentially violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, and what legal precedents could be used to challenge its implementation?**
## Interview: Teaching Religion in Texas Public Schools
**Guests:**
* Dr. Emily Carter, Professor of Education Policy at the University of Texas at Austin
* Reverend Robert Johnson, Pastor of First Baptist Church in Houston, Texas
**Host:** Welcome to World Today News. Today we’ll be discussing the recent decision by the Texas State Board of Education to approve a curriculum rich in biblical references for public schools. Joining us are Dr. Emily Carter, a leading expert in education policy, and Reverend Robert Johnson, a respected community leader.
**I. Understanding the Curriculum and its Controversy (5 minutes)**
**Host:** Dr. Carter, could you provide our listeners with a concise overview of the curriculum and the specific concerns raised by critics?
**Dr. Carter:** Certainly. The curriculum…
**(Dr. Carter explains the curriculum content and highlights the concerns raised by organizations like the Texas Freedom Network, including the emphasis on Christianity, lack of representation of other religions, and potential for proselytization.)**
**Host:** Reverend Johnson, how do you respond to these criticisms? Do you believe this curriculum crosses the line between education and religious indoctrination?
**(Reverend Johnson responds, offering his perspective on the curriculum, its potential benefits, and addressing concerns about religious neutrality.)**
**II. Separating Church and State: Legal and Ethical Considerations (10 minutes)**
**Host:** This decision has reignited the debate over the separation of church and state in public education. Dr. Carter, from a legal standpoint, what are the key considerations surrounding the use of religious materials in public schools?
**(Dr. Carter discusses the relevant legal precedents, such as the Engel v. Vitale case, and the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause. She analyzes the potential legal challenges this curriculum might face.)**
**Host:** Reverend Johnson, what are your thoughts on the balance between religious freedom and the need for secular education in public schools?
**(Reverend Johnson offers his perspective on the ethical implications of
incorporating religious teachings into public education, addressing concerns about inclusivity and the rights of students of diverse backgrounds.)**
**III. The Broader Context: Religious Influence in Education Across America (10 minutes)**
**Host:** As the article mentions, Texas is not alone in seeing attempts to increase the presence of religion in public education. Dr. Carter, how widespread is this trend, and what factors might be driving it?
**(Dr. Carter analyzes the broader political and social trends contributing to the push for religion in public schools, mentioning movements like school choice and the growing influence of religious right groups.)**
**Host:** Reverend Johnson, how do you see this curriculum fitting into the broader national landscape regarding religion’s role in public life?
**(Reverend Johnson provides his insight on the role of religion in American society and how this curriculum reflects those values. He may discuss the importance of faith-based education and argue for its place within a pluralistic society.)**
**IV. Looking Ahead: The Impact on Students and the Future of Education in Texas (5 minutes)**
**Host:** What impact do you foresee this curriculum having on students in Texas public schools?
**(Both guests offer their perspectives on the potential consequences, both positive and negative, for students’ religious understanding, academic development, and sense of inclusiveness.)**
**Host:** what thoughts do you have for the future of education in Texas in light of this decision?
**(Both guests share their hopes and concerns for the future, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue and a commitment to providing quality, inclusive education for all students.)**
**Host:** Thank you both for joining us today for this important and nuanced discussion. This is a complex issue with far-reaching implications, and we encourage our listeners to continue engaging in informed and respectful conversations about the role of religion in public education.
