One of Texas Impact’s teams of committed advocates are the Public School Defenders, a group of Texans who meet every Friday to discuss issues concerning the Texas Public Education system. Over 215 members are signed up to receive weekly updates on actions they can take to fight for public schools. Our Public School Defenders are spread out all over Texas, from our biggest cities like Houston and Dallas, to our not so big towns like Alamo and Victoria. We have Public School Defenders all over the map dedicated to protecting our right to quality public education.
Over the last year, Public School Defenders organized in their local communities to successfully meet with local school board members to oppose untrained school chaplains in local school districts. Now, the Defenders are once again fighting Christian Nationalism in public schools, by opposing efforts in the proposed curriculum from the TEA, which infuses Bible teachings into Texas public school curriculum. Our Defenders are concerned about this potential threat to the separation of church and state, as well as the issues that could arise from a child learning religion somewhere other than their own congregation. This Friday, August 16th, is the last day Texans can submit their own public comment on the State Board of Education website, and we urge you to voice your opinion. To learn how to submit your own public comment, go to the link below.
Read more about the new curriculum here
Monday, August 12th, the House Committee on Public Education met for an interim hearing and the community showed up to express their opinions on not only education saving accounts (vouchers), but also the newly proposed curriculum drafted by the TEA. In a LegeTV worthy clip, Rep. Talarico questioned TEA Commissioner Mike Morath on the suitability and constitutional integrity of inserting religious material in the Texas public school curriculum.
Rep. Talarico questioning Mark Morath
Rep. Schaeffer responding to Talarico’s concerns
In January, 2025, the 89th Texas Legislature will convene, and our Public School Defenders will be ready to mobilize on a range of issues that could possibly impact public education. To join the Public School Defenders, click here.