Between Pulpit and Policy: Religion and the Battle for Texas Public Schools

“What kind of society do we want to be? What kind of Texas do we want to be? What kind of America do we want to be? And that's a difficult question, but it's one that we can't escape. 

Because our public schools inevitably shape the generation to come, that question, what kind of society do we want to be, is going to be answered one way or another by what is taught and what is learned in public schools.”

— David R. Brockman, Nonresident Fellow, Baker Institute of Public Policy, Rice University

About the Episode

Why has the role of religion in Texas public education become one of the most consequential policy battles in the state? What is at stake for religious liberty, church-state separation, and the future of education across the nation?

Baker Institute fellow Michael O. Emerson is joined by nonresident scholar David R. Brockman to unpack how faith-based politics, Christian nationalism, and recent legislative actions are reshaping classrooms across Texas.

This is the second episode in a four-part series, “Between Pulpit and Policy,” exploring the rising influence of faith, particularly Christian nationalism, in Texas politics — and how it’s transforming public policy and governance. The series was produced in partnership with the Baker Institute Student Forum.

This conversation was recorded on Oct. 10, 2025. 

Mentioned in this episode:

• U.S. Supreme Court, “Kennedy v. Bremerton School District,” 2022 (link).
• Texas Senate Bill 10, 89th Leg., R.S., 2025 (PDF).
• David Barton, “In Defense of the Ten Commandments,” AFA Journal, The American Family Association, (2003) (link).
• Texas Senate Bill 763, 88th Leg., R.S., 2023 (link).
• Texas Senate Bill 11, 89th Leg., R.S., 2025 (PDF).

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About ‘Texas Briefing’

“Texas Briefing” brings expert insights to the policy challenges shaping life in the Lone Star State. Through topical miniseries, institute scholars and their guests untangle issues in health, the economy, climate resilience, and more to understand how policy matters are impacting communities from the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast.

Select episodes of our “Baker Briefing” and “Texas Briefing” podcasts are recorded in front of a live studio audience at Rice University in Houston, Texas. These recordings are free and open to the public. To learn about upcoming recordings and other public programming from the Baker Institute, subscribe to our “Events Digest” newsletter, delivered weekly.

This material may be quoted or reproduced without prior permission, provided appropriate credit is given to the author and Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. The views expressed herein are those of the individual author(s), and do not necessarily represent the views of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy.