Texas

Starting with this 2009-2010 school year, Texas high schools will be required to offer elective courses in the Bible.

I ask the question: Why?

Required and elective is interesting.

Here’s a link to the text of Texas House Bill 1287 which was passed in 2007.

Sec. 28.011 “The Bible’s Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and New Testament” is interesting.

“Sec. (i)  This section does not prohibit the board of trustees of a school district from offering an elective course based on the books of a religion other than Christianity. In determining whether to offer such a course, the board may consider various factors, including student and parent demand for such a course and the impact such books have had on history and culture.” is interesting.

Here’s a report from The Statesman, an Austin newspaper which will provide more local background.

A quote from The Statesman article: “Many school districts, including Austin and most other Central Texas districts, say their current high school curriculum already satisfies the requirement because it addresses world religions in history and geography courses.”

Which brings me back to my original question: Why? Why legislate required elective courses? Why legislate courses in “The Old Testament” and “The New Testament”, which simply by naming them that way focuses on Christianity?

Thinking about the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, I understand that this Texas law does not establish a state religion (Establishment Clause) nor does it limit or restrict a citizen’s right to practice any religion they choose (Free Exercise Clause). But I have to say it sure as heck feels to me like the phrase “slippery slope” was coined for just such an occasion as this.

And I would loved to have seen the reaction in the Texas Legislature had this same legislation been introduced with “Qur'an” or “Tao Te Ching” substituted for “Bible” throughout H.B. 1287.