"A state-developed reading curriculum for public elementary schools in Texas is infused with lessons that overwhelmingly emphasize the Bible over sacred texts of other religions and subtly portray Christian faith claims as true in ways that verge on proselytizing students," according to the Texas Freedom Network (August 15, 2024) — and endorsement of the creation and flood stories of Genesis is involved.
Controversy surrounded the proposed curriculum as soon as it was released in May 2024, not long after the Texas Republican party adopted a platform that called on the legislature and the state board of education to require instruction on the Bible in the state's public schools. The 74 (May 29, 2024) reported that conservative organizations, including the Texas Public Policy Foundation and Hillsdale College, were involved in the development of the curriculum.
Of particular concern was a kindergarten unit entitled "Exploring Art," which devotes a lesson to the creation and flood stories from Genesis. Creation stories from the ancient Maya, Aztec, and Greek cultures are mentioned but not described in detail, while four pages, including artwork, are devoted to Genesis. Moreover, students are expected to answer questions about the details of the events recounted in Genesis.
The proposed curriculum was criticized as "designed to instill religion and promote Christianity and the Bible, in violation of the Constitution" by Americans United for Separation of Church and State (August 20, 2024). Americans United described "Exploring Art" in particular as the "most egregious example," explaining, "this lesson is purely devotional and has no secular purpose — it is no different from a Sunday School lesson."
Similarly, in a report (PDF) prepared for the Texas Freedom Network Education Fund, David R. Brockman, a religious studies scholar and Christian theologian, wrote, "It is difficult to avoid concluding that this ... unit is being used as an excuse to smuggle in what is effectively Bible study," and noted that "kindergarteners are likely to come away ... believing that the biblical story is the creation account and that it alone is worth their attention" (emphasis in original).
According to the Texas Freedom Network, "The State Board of Education will hold a public hearing on the OER reading curriculum for Kindergarten through Grade 5 as well as other materials submitted for approval in September. The board is expected to take a final vote on approval in November." Information on the board's upcoming meetings and public testimony registration is available on the board's website.
