Texas Values Testifies to Protect Civic Responsibility and Religious Freedom Education in Texas High Schools
For Immediate Release
For More Information Contact:
[email protected]
512-478-2220
Austin, TX, June 15, 2022 – Today, Texas Values will testify in front of the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) to protect civic responsibility and religious freedom education in Texas high schools. SBOE, which oversees all 1,200 school districts in Texas, is reviewing draft documents for high school Social Studies standards. Texas Values testified on Wednesday to make sure Moses is not removed from the standards and that the Establishment clause that details religious freedom in the Constitution is taught to students as well. Additionally, the U.S. Government draft removed teaching students the foundations of being good citizens which includes civic affairs, serving in the military, voting, serving on a jury, observing laws, paying taxes, and serving the public good. There were additional issues with the standards with deletions and additions that do not provide a holistic approach to teaching Social Studies.
Mary Elizabeth Castle, Senior Policy Advisor for Texas Values said:
“Students should be taught accurate and fair historical events. Religious historical figures like Moses and the exact words of the Establishment clause should not be removed from the classroom. Students have a right to know American founding principles and the foundations of how to be good citizens.”
Texas Values made a list of recommendations to the board on standards that should be reinstated and other standards that should not be added. For more information on these recommendations, please contact Texas Values at [email protected]. SBOE will have the first vote on the high school Social Studies standards in September 2022 and the final vote will be in November 2022.
To set up an interview with a member of the Texas Values team the standards that SBOE is considering, please contact [email protected].
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About Texas Values
Texas Values is the largest statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to standing for faith, family, and freedom in Texas. More information is available at txvalues.org.