Texas Schools Get Optional Bible Lessons

In a close vote, Texas' education board decided that elementary schools can teach lessons inspired by the Bible. This happened despite worries that it might push religious views on young students. The lessons will start as early as next year. Schools that use these lessons will get extra money from the state. Some people are happy about this, like the lieutenant governor who wants to make schools show the Ten Commandments. Others think it's not right to mix religion and school so closely. Texas would be the first state to do something like this. It's not clear if the lessons are allowed by law. The new lessons will teach kids about the Golden Rule and the first Thanksgiving using Bible stories. Some people say these lessons aren't right for young kids. They think kids can't tell the difference between facts and religious beliefs. Others say it's good for kids to learn about common phrases that come from the Bible. The vote was close, with many people feeling strongly about it. One board member was just appointed and voted for the lessons. A Democrat will replace her next year. Other states have tried to bring religion into schools too. In Louisiana, a law to put the Ten Commandments in schools was stopped by a judge. In Oklahoma, the education chief wants to teach the Bible in schools, but some teachers and parents don't want that.