Austin lawmaker braces Ed Commissioner over proposed elementary school religious curriculum

Photo byKenny EliasononUnsplash

"Honestly, I didn’t read the entire [previous curriculum.]"
— Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath

AUSTIN — The 50th District's Rep. James Talarico (D-Round Rock), a former middle school teacher, put the state's Education Commissioner under fire Monday, over concerns about proposed changes to how Texas teaches elementary school kids.

Under a new state law, the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) puts multiple curricula under review, and would need to approve a list of options for school districts to use in classrooms. The Board bought and reworked a curriculum from a national publisher, submitting its own version, the Open Education Resource Textbook (OERT), that includes religious learning.

Namely, the OERT includes a heavy preference given to teaching Christianity. The change has lawmakers and parents alike concerned that the Board is blurring the line between church and state. Opponents argue the change indoctrinates children, rather than teaching them.

“Is it true that the original curriculum included lessons on the major world religions — like Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism and Islam — in addition to Christianity?” Talarico asked Morath during Monday's hearing.

“I think so. But honestly, I didn’t read the entire set,” Morath said.

"Public schools are not Sunday schools."
— State Rep. James Talarico (D-50th District)

Supporters of the move are encouraging to the SBOE's move. Republican lawmakers in Austin argue Christinity is a "necessary context," for learning history.

“I don’t think we should ever be ashamed of mentioning the name of Jesus in our curriculum,” said state Rep. Matt Schaefer, R-Tyler.

“The world’s major religions did not have an equal impact on the founding belief systems of our country,” said Schafer.

Most of America's founders weren't Christian, nor as often described, deists. They were theistic rationalists who believed in a concept of God separate from christian doctrine that guided rational thinking. The largest influence on our early governance were the ideals of the secular Englightenment era, emphasizing reason and free thought over faith.

Critics on both sides of the aisle argue that the materials overstep. They argue the influence Christianity had on history doesn't need preferential treatment. Opponents also argue that teachers are unprepared for the kind of complex, theological questions the curriculum invites — and that the content is fine, but should remain in churches and Christian schools.

“The teachers I’ve talked to across the state have major hesitations,” said Talarico.

In a post on Twitter, which owner Elon Musk refers to as X, Talarico posted a short clip of the hearing, along with the statement: "Texas Republicans are trying to teach Bible stories in public schools."

"I told them: 'Public schools are not Sunday schools."

The SBOE may also be running afoul of Constitutional law itself, according to a University of Houston law professor — despite such a violation being difficult to prove.

The U.S. Establishment Clause, enshrining the free exercise of religion, may be violated if students are required to pledge loyalty to a specific religion. But, as UH's professor Seth Chandler explained in an interview with Spectrum News, violations can be difficult to prove in court.

“You really have to show government endorsement of a particular religion or coercion on the part of the students,” said Chandler.

The Establishment Clause protects free exercise of religion, but is also commonly understood to prevent the establishment (hence the name) of a state religion, according to the U.S. Courts.

State lawmakers and the SBOE itself dismisses those concerns. They say teachers wouldn't be violating the Establishment Clause — in part, because another new state law protects teachers if they're accused of showing favoritism to a religion in class.

That law, too, has been accused of attempting to circumvent the Establishment Clause. Critics say it's allowing agents of the government — public school teachers — to violate the Constitution.

“Texas may be able to provide teachers with some protection or some indemnification, but it can’t ultimately trump the Establishment Clause,” said Chandler.

The education board will approve a list of curriculums in November.

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