Texas Approves Controversial Bible-Based Curriculum for Public Schools

The Bluebonnet Learning curriculum, set to launch in 2025, faces criticism for promoting Christian teachings in violation of constitutional principles.

The Texas State Board of Education narrowly approved the Bluebonnet Learning curriculum in an 8-7 vote, with some Republicans joining Democrats in opposition.
The curriculum incorporates Bible-based lessons into subjects like reading, language arts, and math for elementary and middle school students, offering financial incentives for schools that adopt it.
Critics, including the ACLU and religious scholars, argue that the curriculum privileges Christianity, potentially violating the First Amendment's Establishment Clause and alienating non-Christian students.
Concerns have been raised about the curriculum’s historical inaccuracies and its portrayal of biblical stories, such as treating King Solomon and Queen Esther as historical figures and reframing their narratives through a Christian lens.
Supporters, including Texas Governor Greg Abbott, defend the curriculum as a way to teach cultural and historical context, though opponents worry it may lead to religious indoctrination in public schools.

The Christian Science Monitor