Introduction to the Controversy
A petition against Conroe ISD’s implementation of the Bible-infused Bluebonnet Learning curriculum has gained significant traction, receiving over 1,300 signatures as of Wednesday afternoon. This move comes after trustees for the school district north of Houston voted to adopt the state-developed curriculum for the upcoming 2025-26 school year.
The Curriculum and Its Supporters
Supporters of the curriculum argue that its biblical references are meant to teach about literature and not religion. They believe that the reading and language arts lessons for elementary students could teach children about the country’s history. Conroe ISD board member Nicole May, who voted in favor of adopting the curriculum, noted that it "has a strong component of American exceptionalism." May was among five board members who voted in favor of adopting Bluebonnet Learning’s Bible-infused lessons.
Criticisms of the Curriculum
Critics, however, say that classrooms are not the place for religious teaching and that the curriculum’s lessons emphasize Christianity more than other religions. They argue that this could create an environment where students from diverse religious backgrounds feel marginalized or excluded. Kim Kepler, who started the petition, wrote that she finds it "highly inappropriate and intrusive for schools to take over the responsibility of religious education – a realm best left for families and individual belief systems."
The Petition and Its Demands
The petition, which was first reported by the Houston Chronicle, requests the board to reconsider its decision to adopt the curriculum. Kepler argues that the curriculum shows favoritism towards Christian students, which could pose a threat to the fundamental rights of students from other religious backgrounds. The petition demands that the board strives to maintain an environment where educational content is unbiased, neutral, and respects the diverse backgrounds of all students.
The Broader Context
The Texas State Board of Education gave final approval to Bluebonnet Learning in November, despite criticism. School districts in the state are not required to adopt the curriculum, but there are financial incentives for those that do. The curriculum instructs teachers to teach kindergarteners about “the Golden Rule” through the story of “The Good Samaritan,” a parable found in the chapter Luke of the Bible.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Houston area is one of the most diverse communities in the country, with Conroe ISD having more than 70,000 enrolled students from various ethnic and religious backgrounds. Over 40% of the students are white, and 40% are Latino, according to the U.S. News & World Report. The petition highlights the importance of maintaining a neutral and inclusive environment in schools, where students from all backgrounds can feel welcome and respected.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the Bluebonnet Learning curriculum has sparked a heated debate about the role of religion in public education. While supporters argue that the curriculum teaches valuable lessons about literature and history, critics believe that it crosses the line into religious instruction. As the petition gains momentum, it remains to be seen whether the Conroe ISD board will reconsider its decision to adopt the curriculum. One thing is certain, however: the outcome of this debate will have significant implications for the future of public education in Texas and beyond.
