Protect our kids. Protect our faith freedom.
Texas is playing fast and loose with its standards for educating children, as the Texas State Board of Education is revising its standards for social studies curriculum and has proposed a required reading list for every public school student in Texas.
Both decisions affect what millions of Texas children learn — and both were made by the same small group of political insiders without meaningful input from parents, teachers, or faith communities.
In April, there will be ways that you can show up to push back against this group of nine political appointees known as “content advisors” who wants to force their religious views onto thousands of public school students in the state of Texas.
Opportunities for action
Submit a public comment before April 4
You can submit a public comment online, voicing your concern over the reading list. We have a PDF document with step-by-step instructions (starting on page 2). The public comment window is open until Saturday, April 4.
April 7: Join us to testify in Austin
Countdown to public hearings on the reading curriculum
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This is the main event. The SBOE is holding a public hearing April 6-10, and they will discuss the proposed curriculum on April 7.
We need people to show up to testify.
Testimony from people of faith carries real weight, especially when board members hear from constituents who care about both good education and religious liberty.
Clergy and faith leaders: Sign our letter to the State Board of Education
If you’re a pastor, rabbi, imam, priest, or faith leader of any tradition, we’re asking you to add your name to a clergy sign-on letter being sent directly to the State Board of Education. Board members need to hear that the faith community is paying attention and that what they decide in these meetings reaches all the way into our congregations and our kids’ classrooms.
Nearly 200 clergy and faith leaders have signed the letter. Click “Read the letter” below to see the full letter with signatures.
Resources
Fact sheet
What’s happening with Texas public schools? This one-page fact sheet explains the problems with how the Texas SBOE is rewritig the social studies curriculum and what it means for your kids.
Talking points
Why is the proposed reading list so problematic? What are some key things to know and say about the proposed required reading list? These talking points will help guide conversations.
Testimony tips
How do you testify before a public hearing? What are the best ways to structure your statement? Check out this 1-page guide with some tips and suggestions for making an impact.
Background
How did we get here? What has happened to this process? Check out an article from the Social Studies Advocate on Substack that gives an overview of the process.
Previous victory
Your effotts matter against problematic bills! In March, nearly all of the 1,200 school districts in Texas said “no” to adopting periods of state-organized prayer.
Previous events
March 19:
We held an in-person training in Houston
We held an in-person training in Houston to discuss what’s happening at the SBOE and how you can respond.
This was a great chance to get oriented, ask questions, and connect with others who care about these issues.
Location: Congregation Emanu El
Time: 7-8 p.m.
March 23 & 24: We held testimony-writing workshops in Dallas and Ft. Worth
The NTX Coalition held testimony-writing workshops (two nights, two options) to help you prepare to testify before the SBOE. Participants left with a draft testimony and the confidence to use it.
Location: Tarrant County on March 23; Dallas County on March 24
Time: 7 p.m.
March 26: We held an informational webinar for anyone interested
No matter where you live in Texas, this webinar walked through what’s at stake at the SBOE, what’s in the proposed curriculum, and how to make your voice heard. Hosted by Texas Freedom Network, this webinar was free, online, and open to everyone.
Location: Online
Time: 6:30 – 8 p.m.
