A final decision is likely to come Friday on whether or not to allow Bible teachings in Texas public classrooms.
On Tuesday, eight of the 15 Texas State Board of Education members voted to approve the Bluebonnet Learning curriculum in a preliminary vote. If approved, lessons from the Bible could be taught in K-5 classrooms. The initial voted followed hours of testimony Monday as Republicans have led efforts to include more religious teaching in Texas classrooms.
It would be optional for schools to incorporate the curriculum, which was designed by the state’s public education agency. Also, schools that adopt the curriculum would be eligible to receive additional funding.
Corey DeAngelis, Senior Fellow at the American Culture Project, believes Republicans want these kinds of teachings available as a way to teach kids about having good character and morals.
"There are a lot of moral lessons that can be learned from the Bible and I think that's part of shaping the character development of the children," he said.
DeAngelis said he's not for or against this type of curriculum being taught to young kids in school but is more so promoting having school choice in the state of Texas, which he believes will pass during next year's legislative session. Earlier this month, Gov. Greg Abbott said he wants school choice to be a top priority for state lawmakers starting in 2025.
"People are going to disagree about how they want to raise their kids and that's okay but the major issue is who gets a say and who determines for their own kids," said DeAngelis.
The overreach by the left on the school system is set to see a response from the right next year in Texas. Plenty of parents don't like the current curriculum that is in the Texas public schools.
"The Democrats have infiltrated the government-run school system for far too long," DeAngelis said. "They've been able to control the minds of other people's children with their leftist worldview."