14: Religion and the Battle for Texas Public Schools

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? On the latest episode of the “Texas Briefing” podcast, another Baker Institute podcast, Baker Institute fellow and guest host Michael O. Emerson is joined by 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 in front of a live studio audience on Oct. 10, 2025. Learn about future live recordings of the “Texas Briefing” podcast by subscribing to our “Events Digest” newsletter at https://www.bakerinstitute.org/newsletter. Featured: Michael O. Emerson, Ph.D., https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/michael-o-emerson  David R. Brockman, Ph. D., https://www.bakerinstitute.org/expert/david-r-brockman  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). Listen and subscribe to “Baker Briefing” on Apple, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.   You can follow @BakerInstitute on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Learn more about our data-driven, nonpartisan policy research and analysis at bakerinstitute.org.