Texas public education
Public Schools at a Crossroads: Faith, Freedom, and the Future of Texas
PUBLIC EDUCATION: MORE THAN JUST BOOKS AND TESTS
At Wake Up Texas, we believe public education is about more than passing exams. It’s about preparing students to thrive in a diverse democracy, giving them the tools to think critically, and ensuring every child has access to quality schools.
Public education justice means:
That every child sees themselves reflected in curriculum and culture.
That teachers can teach honestly without political or religious litmus tests.
That public money strengthens neighborhood schools instead of funding private religious agendas.
That classrooms remain inclusive, secular spaces for all Texans, regardless of faith.
A SHORT HISTORY OF EDUCATION POLITICS IN TEXAS – AND WHAT’S AT STAKE
For years, state leaders have chipped away at public schools with underfunding, voucher schemes, and censorship laws. In 2025, that fight escalated. Bills passed this year reveal how deeply Christian nationalism is driving decisions about what Texas students learn and how public dollars are spent. Read more on Substack.
Campus Control and Higher Education
Recent laws like SB 17 and SB 18 have made it easier for political appointees to censor what can be taught at Texas public universities, from discussions of race and gender to core philosophy texts.
See how your legislators voted on these bills → List of Representatives Votes ON SB 17 and SB 18
WHAT’S IN THE BILLs?
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Status: Sent to governor, June 2025
Puts $8.5 billion in new money into K–12 schools.
But funding is tied to mandates and comes alongside efforts to funnel money toward private, religious schools.
[View Bill: 89(R) HB 2 – Enrolled Version]
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Status: Sent to governor, June 2025
Allows up to 10 days in-school suspension.
Reduces mandatory disciplinary placements for vape possession.
Creates virtual disciplinary programs funded by the state.
[View Bill: 89(R) HB 6 – Enrolled Version]
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Status: Signed by Governor Abbott, June 21, 2025 – effective Sept 1, 2025
Requires every Texas classroom to display a poster of the Ten Commandments.
Size and placement are dictated by law (at least 16×20 inches, clearly visible).
Critics call it an unconstitutional injection of religion into public schools.
[View Bill: 89(R) SB 10 – Enrolled Version]
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Ban on DEI programs in schools.
Restrictions on student cell phone use during the school day.
Voucher debates continue, pushing public money toward private, often religious, schools.
House Bill 2 (HB 2): Public School Funding and State Mandates
For years, Texas public schools have struggled under chronic underfunding, skyrocketing enrollment, and growing demands from state mandates. Even before 2025, teachers were leaving classrooms at record rates, and districts were forced to cut programs, postpone maintenance, and raise class sizes. The strain was felt most acutely in urban and rural districts, where resources were already stretched thin.
In 2025, lawmakers passed House Bill 2, a sweeping funding measure touted as a major investment in K–12 public education. On paper, it adds roughly $8.5 billion to the state’s education budget, aiming to increase teacher pay, support special programs, and provide additional funding to high-need districts. The bill went through 17 amendments before passage, reflecting intense negotiation and compromise over how the money would be distributed and what conditions would be attached.
But the story is more complicated. While HB 2 directs more money to schools, much of it comes with strings attached. Districts are incentivized to adopt state-approved curricula, including the controversial Bluebonnet program with Christian-focused content. Funds may also be diverted toward voucher-style initiatives, channeling public dollars to private and religious schools. Critics argue that these strings risk undermining the very public school system HB 2 is supposed to strengthen.
View Bill: 89(R) HB 2 – Enrolled Version
DOES HB 2 REALLY HELP TEXAS SCHOOLS?
At first glance, $8.5 billion sounds like a historic win. But the reality is more nuanced:
Schools may gain new funds but are simultaneously pressured to adopt ideologically driven programs.
Local control is weakened as districts must comply with state mandates tied to funding.
Teachers and administrators may face implicit pressure to prioritize religiously influenced curriculum over critical thinking or pluralistic content.
PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING OR IDEOLOGICAL CONTROL?
For Texas public education, HB 2 is a double-edged sword: more money, yes — but at the cost of curriculum independence, local decision-making, and secular classrooms. Read more on Substack
House Bill 6 (HB 6): Discipline & Virtual DAEP
Texas schools have long struggled with student behavior and how best to maintain safe learning environments. Traditional disciplinary measures, like in-school suspension or DAEP (Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs), were often overused or inconsistently applied, leaving students behind and classrooms under strain.
In 2025, lawmakers passed House Bill 6, which aims to revise discipline policies and expand virtual DAEP options. The law allows schools to issue up to 10 days of in-school suspension instead of automatically sending students to DAEP for certain minor infractions, like vaping. At the same time, HB 6 funds virtual DAEP programs, allowing students to continue learning remotely while serving disciplinary consequences.
On paper, this appears to offer more flexibility and support for students. However, critics warn that the discretion HB 6 gives districts could be used to enforce ideological compliance or target students based on non-academic criteria. In practice, virtual programs and disciplinary policies can be shaped to align with state priorities, including religiously influenced curriculum and restrictions on DEI programs.
View Bill: 89(R) HB 6 – Enrolled Version
DOES HB 6 IMPROVE SCHOOLS OR CENTRALIZE CONTROL?
At first glance, it seems to modernize discipline and give students more opportunities to continue learning. But the impact depends on implementation:
Districts have wide discretion, which could lead to unequal treatment or ideological enforcement.
Students may face additional oversight and monitoring if they do not align with state-directed curriculum or behavioral expectations.
While some students benefit from virtual learning alternatives, others could be left behind in programs that lack proper oversight.
WHEN DISCIPLINE MEETS IDEOLOGY: THE REAL IMPACT OF HB 6
HB 6 provides flexibility, yes — but also more centralized control and potential for ideological influence in Texas classrooms. Read more on Substack.