WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following the 8-7 vote by Texas education officials today, to support elementary school curricula that would include Bible lessons and promote Christian beliefs in public schools, People For President Svante Myrick released the following statement:
“The Texas education board’s vote is not about educating students; it is about normalizing Christian nationalism. This is another dangerous attempt by the Far Right to advance a polarizing and authoritarian agenda that marginalizes non-Christian students. This will lead to more division, alienation, and potential discrimination in America’s classrooms. All students deserve an inclusive education that fosters a deeper understanding of the diverse world around them, not covert attacks on how they worship and othering of their cultures and communities under the veil of religious freedom.”
The decision in Texas follows major recent developments in education news, including the nomination of anti-transgender advocate and former World Wrestling Entertainment executive Linda McMahon to lead the Department of Education. It also comes after Utah banned its 14th book statewide this week. Since July, Oklahoma and Louisiana have required or proposed ways for public schools to teach the Bible.
About Us People For the American Way is a national progressive advocacy organization that inspires and mobilizes Americans to defend freedom, justice, and democracy from those who threaten to take them away. For more than four decades, we have been dedicated to making the promise of America real for everyone and have worked toward a vision of a vibrant America where basic rights and freedoms are upheld for all, not just the wealthy and the powerful. Learn more: http://www.peoplefor.org
