Religion

AG Approves Curriculum For Bible Courses

AUSTIN (AP) ― Elective high school Bible courses would be constitutional if taught using the non-specific guidelines adopted by the State Board of Education, Attorney General Greg Abbott said Wednesday.

But, specific course curriculum cannot be cleared because none have been proposed or reviewed, Abbott's office cautioned in a letter to board chairman Don McLeroy.

The Legislature passed a law last year allowing for Bible courses to be offered as an elective starting in the 2009-2010 school year and directed the board to adopt curriculum standards that do not run afoul of the constitutional separation of church and state.

"By this letter we conclude that courses taught in accordance with applicable Texas law and the SBOE's proposed (curriculum) ... appear to be facially valid under the First Amendment of the United State's Constitution," wrote Andrew Weber, deputy attorney general for legal counsel.

The education board decided in March to allow standard English and social studies guidelines to be applied to elective Bible courses rather than drafting curriculum standards specific to the teaching of the religious doctrine.

Despite concerns that the guidelines are too broad, the board agreed that they would suffice until they received further clarification from Abbott. The board is expected to revisit the curriculum standards. Their next scheduled meeting is next week.

Critics have voiced concern that religious opinions could be taught to high school students in the classes without specific restrictions.

"It is critically important that the state board provide clear, specific curriculum standards that guide local school districts on how to create worthy courses that also protect the religious freedom of students," said Kathy Miller, president of the religious watchdog group Texas Freedom Network. "The state board approves specific standards for courses like aerobics and food technology. Surely a study of the Bible's influence in history and literature and protecting religious freedom deserve the same respect."

Among the questions Abbott's office has yet to answer is whether public high schools must offer a Bible course if requested by at least 15 students, a threshold mentioned in the bill. But the bill was unclear if the class would then be mandatory or optional for high schools to offer.

Lawmakers adopted the measure with an assurance the class would only focus on the history and literature of the Bible, and not proselytize for or disparage any faith. It also required the attorney general to review the curriculum.

The bill said the elective Bible course would expose students to biblical content and characters as key to understanding contemporary society and culture, including literature, art, music, oratory and public policy.

(© 2008 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

---