HISD board unanimously approves controversial bible-infused Bluebonnet curriculum

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Two proposed measures that stirred controversy among community members were unanimously approved by Houston ISD board members.

The use of Bluebonnet Learning, a Bible-infused curriculum developed by the Texas Education Agency, and a plan to have non-profits operate top-performing schools, were approved by all seven board members who rule over the state's largest school district. The measures were approved on Thursday evening.

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The Bluebonnet curriculum was opposed by advocates of the separation of church and state, though the TEA previously said that the religious references in the lessons make up only a fraction of the overall product, which includes reading and math.

The Texas Tribune previously reported that multiple analyses have found that the reading curriculum skews heavily in favor of Christianity compared to other religions. Parents and historians have also expressed concerns about the materials downplaying America's history of racism and slavery.

Another controversial measure that was approved on Thursday evening was the plan to have non-profits run the district's top-performing schools.

"Bluebonnet has been widely criticized for including disproportional references to Christianity and Biblical stories in elementary literacy materials," one parent told board members during Thursday's board meeting.

"Forcing Bluebonnet on the district without transparency, clarity, or community involvement is unacceptable," another parent said.

The district ultimately voted to use the curriculum's math and reading materials for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

The program includes some Bible teachings, which have drawn scrutiny from local religious leaders, including Rabbi Joshua Fixler, an HISD parent.

"Schools should leave religious education to rabbis, ministers, churches, synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship and should not be doing religious education," Fixler said.

During the meeting, district officials said the focus will remain on academics.

"The guidance to teachers is that you are not allowed to promote religion. You are to stay focused on the academic learning objectives," said HISD Deputy Superintendent Kristen Hole.

Superintendent Mike Miles also defended the curriculum.

"This curriculum will allow us to help kids grow in their reading skills. It'll help us teach phonics and content," Miles said.

While school districts are not required to use the lesson plans, HISD, the largest district in Texas, stands to receive an additional $3.3 million in state funding for adopting them.

Many parents who attended Thursday night's meeting said they do not believe the funding is worth the cost.

"I'm not surprised. It's very disappointing. It feels like a betrayal for the students," HISD parent Kevin Lenhart said.