SRC revises Bible-as-literature elective; counsel says course must be nonsecatarian

The Tennessee State Board of Education Standards Recommendation Committee spent a substantial portion of its Oct. 7, 2025 electronic meeting revising proposed 'Bible as literature' elective standards and seeking legal guidance to ensure statutory compliance.

Staff noted the existing Bible elective had not been revised since 2009 and flagged a state statute that requires the course to be taught 'in an objective and non-devotional manner' and 'not include teaching of religious doctrine or sectarian interpretation.' Committee members repeatedly asked for wording and supporting language to make that compliance explicit in the course description and supporting materials.

Members revised standards across the literature, context and art strands — changing 'translations' to 'versions,' adding 'figures' alongside 'characters,' and limiting some expectations to EG (examples) so a single-semester offering would remain feasible. Several contested items were moved to a parking lot for additional drafting to avoid overloading a semester-long course.

Rachel, the general counsel who joined the meeting, advised the committee that including comparative or other religious texts would be permitted only if those texts and lessons were presented in a nonsectarian, academic manner. 'I think that's an accurate reading,' counsel said when asked whether the statute allows inclusion of other religious texts provided instruction remains nonsectarian. The committee directed staff to add statutory language to the course description and to craft glossary entries and a supporting appendix for teachers.

The SRC did not adopt a final, board-ready Bible package on Oct. 7; it assigned staff follow-up tasks and scheduled further committee meetings to resolve glossary terms, supporting language and parking-garage items before final submission to the State Board.