A controversial change in the textbooks circulating around the state of Texas recently caught my eye. As I looked further into this, I found many changes to be reasonable but one struck me as unconstitutional. In the article posted by "Need to Know" on PBS "Texas School Board Approves Controversial Textbook Changes", they address the situation and lay out the changes being made to our textbooks.
One of the most controversial ideas discussed when evaluating the content of Texas students' education, is whether or not Christian influences should be added to the curriculum. Cynthia Dunbar, a conservative member on the board states, "I believe no one can read the history of our country without realizing that the Good Book and the spirit of the savior have from the beginning been our guiding geniuses....a Christian land governed by Christian principles." Given that our country is famous for its slogan "America: The land of Opportunity" this addition to textbooks seems extremely contradictory. Although I believe recognizing our founding fathers' strong attributes and ideal characteristics should definitely be present in our textbooks, the need by strong conservatives to spread their individual beliefs to millions of students isn't necessary.
Contrary to all of the school budget cuts being made in education by Texas Government, the education of Texas students is taken very seriously. The curriculum taught to students in our state should reflect Texas in the best manner. I believe the power that the school board officials have over children is definitely overlooked. Students deserve the right to form their own opinions and beliefs regarding religion, but as individuals and off of school property. If we want Texas education to be taken seriously, we need to focus more on the lack of difficulty in subjects that help students further their future careers and succeed in the demanding society, and stop focusing on our own biased opinions regarding religion.
As a student in high school I see pros and cons of this textbook change. On one hand, teaching good morals, which can be found through religion but also through many other things, is very important in a high school's unstable environment, where students are exposed to some negative influences which can lead to making bad decisions. On the other hand, this is also a time in which students are begining to develop as individuals and are finding their place in society. While they are still discovering their beliefs and opinions in this stage of life, it is completely unprofessional for the school board officials to try and inflict their own beliefs through education.
Contrary to Cynthia Dunbar's beliefs, I don't believe our nation should be considered "a Christian land governed by Christian principles". I understand that there are many aspects found in the bible that are similar to statements found in the Declaration of Independence, regarding the humanity of citizens in the United States. That being said, it is also true that as citizens we are endowed to the unalienable rights which guarantee us "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness". Not everyone falls into the category of "The Christian Nation" and I believe that's how our founding fathers anticipated it to be. Texas guarantees its citizens free education to prepare us for our future and help us succeed, not to establish beliefs and religious views. Give the students a chance to voice their opinion on this matter because they are the ones being affected.
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