Incentivized intolerance
The State Board of Education’s approval of a Bible-based curricular option in Texas public schools is nothing less than intolerance. This curricular proselytizing alienates children, teachers and staff of other or no faiths, sending a clear message that their own beliefs are less valued. The incentives for schools who need money to adopt the curriculum is unchristian and reduces Christianity to a transaction. Instead of demanding proper funding of Texas schools, the board is telling overburdened and underpaid staff to do more.
While topics on slavery and race remain almost mythical in Texas curriculum, thanks to HB 3979, religion now takes the place of fact. Texas, like many other states, seems willing to forget the values on which the nation was founded. The board ignores what it meant for those fleeing religious persecution in Europe to come to a place where they could worship freely and not be forcibly exposed …