Texas State Board approves Bible-infused curriculum, sparking inclusivity concerns

The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) approves the Bluebonnet curriculum, a Bible-infused program for elementary schools.

The curriculum, created under House Bill 1605, offers schools $60 per student as an incentive to adopt the materials, but it has been criticized for its content and cost incentive.

Under the curriculum, the state’s public education department created lessons from texts like Genesis and biblical concepts like the Golden Rule that would be permitted in schools. Schools would have the choice to implement the curriculum under the idea, although doing so would result in an additional $60 per student funding. SBOE member Staci Childs, who voted against the material, clarified misconceptions about affordability.

“Districts were under the impression it would be free if they chose Bluebonnet,” Childs explained. “In reality, they still need to use their instructional materials budget for printing, and the $60 only offsets those costs.”

The curriculum’s incorporation of Christian teachings, including lessons from Genesis and the Golden Rule, has raised questions about its inclusivity. While supporters argue the program acknowledges Christianity’s historical role in America’s founding, critics, including Childs, contend it disproportionately emphasizes one faith.

She worked revise over 200 sections of the Bluebonnet English Language Arts material to improve the quality and inclusivity. She acknowledges the role of the Bible in American history, but the portrayal must be balanced and have an objective perspective with other faiths in mind to avoid potential legal and constitutional issues. 

Teacher’s Perspectives

Rebecca Williams, a former HISD history teacher with 13 years of experience, including nine years in the district, finds herself in a unique position, balancing her faith with a staunch belief in the separation of church and state.

“But, I don’t believe the Bible should be taught in public schools. That’s a parent’s responsibility. It is private and should stay in the family or church setting.”

As a seventh-grade Texas history teacher, Williams routinely taught about religions, as they are integral to understanding historical contexts. “In history classes, we teach about religion all the time—Judaism, Hinduism, Christianity, and others—because they’re tied to wars, theocratic societies, and cultural shifts,” she explained.

“We explore how major religions emerged and influenced societies. This is done respectfully and inclusively,” she noted. “So why this push for Bible-infused teaching now? It feels unnecessary.”

She is also concerned about the incentive introduced because it puts underfunded schools in a “tight corner.”

“It’s unfair and feels like a hostage situation,” she said. “Districts are hurting for money that should already belong to them. Offering funding in exchange for implementing a specific curriculum is coercive. The so-called ‘option’ is a smokescreen—it’s not a genuine choice when schools are desperate for resources.”

Jeremy Eugene, a Houston-area English teacher, shared his experiences navigating controversial topics in the classroom. 

“In my classroom, I have students from various backgrounds—and I aim to create an environment where all feel seen and respected,” Eugene said. “When we discuss historical moments involving religion, I emphasize context and inclusivity to ensure students feel their identities are valued.”

Eugene recalled when his class was reading a popular young adult novel called The Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo. The story follows the journey of a teen mother, and in one of the chapters, the protagonist discusses the time she lost her virginity. A couple of his students were Christian, and when he asked them what they learned, one of them responded that the protagonist was abused. 

“We need to talk through these sensitive topics as educators. The bible says no sex before marriage, but in reality, young people are deciding to have sex,” he said. “If you’re pushing an abstinence-only curriculum from a biblical standpoint, how can we learn from various perspectives and understand what all of the world is going through?” 

The plan to include religious instruction in Texas’ public schools is part of a nationwide trend. State representatives in Oklahoma are working to incorporate the Bible into the curriculum of public schools. A federal judge in Louisiana recently overturned a law requiring the Ten Commandments to be placed in every public school.