Texas School Board Approves Optional Bible-Based Classes in K-5 Schools

On Friday, the Texas School Board approved the Bluebonnet reading and language arts curriculum in an 8–7 vote.

The Details: The curriculum includes bible-based lessons such as teaching "The Parable of the Prodigal Son" to first-graders and a third-grade unit touching on the life of Jesus Christ and Christianity in Rome. The public school curriculum is voluntary, with a financial incentive if the school uses it beginning in August 2025. Some support the curriculum, saying it will help students learn important historical context, but others say it's unconstitutional and inappropriately favors Christianity.

Key Quotes: Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) said, "Bluebonnet Learning will bring students back to the basics of education." The ACLU of Texas said it "flagrantly disregards religious freedom.”  Mary Elizabeth Castle, the director of government relations for the public policy group Texas Values, argued, "It respects students’ First Amendment rights and it gives them a well-rounded education that makes them culturally competent and functionally literate." Rachel Laser, CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, said, “Parents and families, not politicians or government officials, should get to decide if, when and how their children engage with religion.”

How the Media Covered It: Most outlets on the left and right quoted figures for and against the curriculum; however, BBC News (Center bias) only quoted the Texas American Federation of Teachers, who came out against the curriculum. CNN (Lean Left bias) ran a piece almost exclusively quoting voices against the adoption of Bluebonnet Learning.