Texas, USA – The Texas Senate has approved several bills that could significantly alter the education system, bringing religion into classrooms, increasing parental control over library books, and banning diversity programs in K-12 schools.
Why It Matters
These bills reflect a broader conservative push to expand parental rights and incorporate Christianity into public education. While much attention has been given to Governor Greg Abbott’s push for school vouchers—allowing public funds to be used for private education—these new laws aim to reshape the values taught in Texas public schools.
What’s Happening?
The Texas House will now review four bills that recently passed the Senate with strong Republican backing. These bills include measures to:
- Expand religious expression in K-12 schools.
- Limit diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
- Give parents greater influence over book selection in school libraries.
Key Details of the Bills
1. Library Book Selection (Senate Bill 13)
This bill would allow parents to monitor which books their children check out from school libraries.
What’s in the Bill?
- Requires school boards to form library advisory councils to recommend books for inclusion or removal.
- Gives parents access to their children’s library records.
- Sponsored by Sen. Angela Paxton (McKinney), with support from all Republicans and three Democrats.
Why It Matters:
Sen. Paxton argues that parents have the right to know what books their children are reading.
Opposition:
Critics, including public school librarian Lucy Podmore, argue that limiting book access could restrict diverse viewpoints.
The Bigger Picture:
Book bans have increased across the U.S., with Texas leading in book challenges. A similar book restriction law was previously struck down by the courts.
2. Ten Commandments and Prayer in Classrooms (Senate Bills 10 & 11)
- SB 10 mandates that the Ten Commandments be displayed in classrooms.
- SB 11 allows school boards to set aside time for prayer or reading religious texts.
Supporters Say:
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Sen. Phil King, who introduced SB 10, argue this is a step toward reviving religious values in the U.S.
Critics Say:
Opponents, like Democratic Sen. Nathan Johnson, argue that these bills violate religious freedom and force religious practices on students.
A Similar Law in Louisiana Was Ruled Unconstitutional:
A federal judge blocked Louisiana’s attempt to display the Ten Commandments in schools, setting a potential precedent for legal challenges in Texas.
3. Banning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Schools (Senate Bill 12)
- Texas already banned DEI initiatives at public universities.
- SB 12 extends the ban to K-12 schools.
What This Means:
- Schools cannot consider race, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation in hiring decisions.
- DEI-related policies or training programs will be prohibited.
- Employees or contractors engaged in DEI work could be fired.
Exceptions:
Schools can still acknowledge state and federal holidays related to diversity.
The Debate:
Supporters claim this bill eliminates divisive policies in schools, while opponents argue it removes support for marginalized students.
What Happens Next?
The Texas House will now decide whether these bills become law. If passed, legal challenges could follow, especially concerning religious displays in public schools.
The Bottom Line:
The Texas Senate’s education bills signal a major shift toward religious influence in classrooms and reduced focus on diversity. The coming weeks will determine their fate—and whether they stand up to legal scrutiny.
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