Curriculum confrontation commences

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A bruising, ideological battle is coming to a climax over what Texas students should be taught in school about American history.

More than 100 people spoke before the Texas Board of Education Wednesday. Conservatives want a traditional values approach, with students taught about American Exceptionalism, that this is a good country with a patriotic fervor for freedom, and that Christianity played a significant role in motivating the Founding Fathers.

"[I want] a true American history," said Board member Ken Mercer. "And we want to make sure kids are taught about patrtiotism, we honor our founding fathers, our traditions, our values and we impress upon them the benefits of the free enterprise system which is unique in the United States of America."

But some liberal groups believe the curriculum changes go too far, pushing a political agena. Kathy Miller of the Texas Freedom Network argues that emphasizing Christianity's role in the founding of the nation crosses the line between church and state.

"If in any way they were to suggest that our nation was founded to promote or favor any particular religion or disfavor any particular religion that would indeed violate the religious freedoms of our students and that would be a horrible tragedy," said Miller.

Board members will take a preliminary vote on an unknown number of amendments to the curriculum on Thursday, with final approval expected in March.