The Texas Board of Education passed a rule that permits Bible-based curriculum in elementary schools.
While the curriculum is optional for schools, those who choose to adopt it will receive additional funding.
The rule was approved in a final 8-7 vote after the board indicated their support for the matter earlier this week.
A Democrat and attorney who voted against the rule, Staci Childs, said, “So if those facts alone, if a parent or a teacher who didn’t feel comfortable teaching this were to bring this up to a court, I believe they would be successful. And in my good conscience, in protecting my bar license, I just do not feel that these materials are yet reflective of the experiences and the nuance of Texas students.”
Those who supported the rule argued that many common, everyday phrases and ideas stem from the Bible.
“It is said that there are close to 300 common-day phrases that actually come from the Bible,” said Mary Castle, the director of government relations for Texas Values. “So students will benefit from being able to understand a lot of these references that are in literature and have a way to be able to comprehend them.”