The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) is expected to approve new reading lists and curriculum for public school students, when the 15-member panel meets this week.
The new history, social studies and literacy standards include Bible stories and lessons on American "exceptionalism.”
Yet, as Texas Public Radio reports, critics say it over-emphasizes Christianity and brings ideology into the classroom. Advisers who helped develop the new standards have characterized the changes as giving a proper perspective by creating a quote, “American and Texas identity."
However, Southern Methodist University (SMU) religious studies Professor Mark Chancey, Ph.D., says the curriculum lacks balance. "There's a concerted effort to teach history from a perspective that highlights Christian contributions and ignores others."
Furthering that sentiment is Rocia Fierro-Perez, political director of the Texas Freedom Network, a left-leaning organization. “To attribute these values exclusively to Christianity misrepresents the world and ignores the contributions of other beliefs that help shape American culture.” The new curriculum standards would go into effect in 2030.
For added context on the issue of religion in public schools, recent polling may help shed some light on the matter. Case in point, according to an AP-NORC Poll conducted in June of 2025, 64% of the American public view the separation of church and state as important for U.S. identity.
Yet, that falls short of other freedoms and rights including freedom of speech (85%), freedom of religion (81%), and freedom of the press.
