Inside Texas' push for religion in public schools

Texas lawmakers are pushing to integrate religious elements into public education, including proposals to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms and allow school prayer periods. Senate Bill 10, authored by Republican state Sen. Phil King, seeks to remind students of the Ten Commandments' importance in American law. Critics, such as state Rep. James Talarico, emphasize the need to uphold the separation of church and state, questioning why the Constitution isn't prioritized in these discussions.

Recently, Governor Greg Abbott signed a $1 billion voucher program intended to assist families with private school tuition, which supporters argue could benefit religious institutions. However, opponents assert that such voucher programs divert taxpayer funds from public schools, particularly disadvantaging low-income families. The State Board of Education also approved an optional curriculum allowing Bible-based teachings in elementary schools. This trend reflects a broader push by evangelicals to blur the lines between public and religious education. As debates unfold, surveys indicate an increasing number of Americans identifying as non-religious, with schools becoming more racially and religiously diverse.