Texas is in the process of figuring out how exactly to implement a law passed last legislative session that allowed school districts to offer an elective focusing on the Bible. The problem of course is doing so without violating the 1st Amendment.
People are free to exercise their religious beliefs as they choose--save for human sacrifices or other similar practices--but government cannot establish a church. This creates tension. People like the idea that they can use their public schools as venues for religious expression, but the classroom has historically been a place where governments establish, or impose, religious beliefs.
The bill was modified as it passed through the legislature in order to ensure that it focused on historical aspects of the document and steered clear of preaching. That's been the objective of the Texas Education Agency and the Attorney General's office as they determine how the bill can be converted into specific rules. Aside from the constitutional issues associated with the case, its a great case study of how laws get implemented.
Let's walk through the history, via available Houston Chronicle stories.
- The bill is introduced by Warren Chisum and considered in the House Education Committee.
- The bill passes the Texas Senate and is sent to the governor for a signature.
- The State Board of Education requests clarification about the bills language.
- The Attorney General states that the course passes Constitutional muster.
- The Chron editorializes that the standards are too loose, preaching may well result.
Here is a document from the Texas Education Agency site outlining hearings and providing links to other documents related to the establishment of a Bible based curriculum.
