Missouri Senate Bill SB684

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 1/10/22

Caption

Allows school districts to offer elective social studies courses on the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament

Impact

If enacted, SB684 will impact state education laws by formally recognizing biblical studies as part of the elective curriculum in public schools. This may encourage more school districts to integrate religious literature into their education systems. The bill lists particular educational standards that must be followed to maintain religious neutrality, ensuring no singular religious perspective is favored within the courses offered, which aligns with constitutional stipulations regarding the separation of church and state.

Summary

Senate Bill 684 aims to amend Missouri's educational guidelines to allow school districts the option to offer elective social studies courses focused on the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament. The bill outlines that these courses may cover biblical content, characters, and narratives essential for understanding contemporary society's literature, art, and public policy. The goal of such courses is to promote a deeper knowledge of the Bible and its influence on various aspects of culture and society.

Contention

The introduction of SB684 has sparked discussion surrounding the appropriateness of including religious content in public education. Proponents argue that understanding biblical texts is vital for comprehending much of Western literature and culture, and thus, should be considered legitimate academic study. However, critics express concerns about potential violations of religious neutrality and worries that introducing such courses could lead to increased religious bias in education, raising questions on how schools will navigate diverse beliefs among students.