For NCJW Dallas, supporting public education is not just a priority—it’s a moral imperative grounded in equality, secularism, and fairness. As a feminist Jewish organization, we are dedicated to improving the lives of women and families by advocating for a public education system that is inclusive, secular, and well-funded.
Protecting public education is crucial to safeguarding the religious freedom of all families. For us as Jewish women, and for individuals of all faiths or no faith at all, ensuring that public schools remain free from religious influence upholds our rights and the rights of others. By defending public education and opposing policies that divert resources or impose religious practices, we protect a system that fosters equality, opportunity, and respect for all.
Join us in ensuring a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
WHY PUBLIC EDUCATION MATTERS
⏹️ INCLUSIVITY
Public education provides a space where all students—regardless of race, religion, or socioeconomic status—can learn without fear of discrimination or coercion. The Texas Constitution guarantees the right to a general diffusion of knowledge, ensuring that public schools serve every child equally.
Texas Constitution, Article 7, Section 1: “A general diffusion of knowledge being essential to the preservation of the liberties and rights of the people, it shall be the duty of the Legislature of the State to establish and make suitable provision for the support and maintenance of an efficient system of public free school.” NCJW Dallas supports bills like HB 659 (Gervin-Hawkins), which promotes cultural inclusion in the curriculum, ensuring that students from all backgrounds feel represented and valued in their education.
⏹️ SECULARISM
Maintaining a secular education system protects religious freedom for all families. The Texas Constitution guarantees that public funds will not be used for religious purposes, ensuring that public education remains free from religious influence or coercion.
Texas Constitution, Article 1, Section 7:
“No money shall be appropriated, or drawn from the Treasury for the benefit of any sect, or religious society, theological or religious seminary; nor shall property belonging to the State be appropriated for any such purposes.”
NCJW Dallas opposes bills like SB 10 (Noble), which would mandate the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms. This infringes on the principle of separation of church and state, making public schools less inclusive for students of diverse faiths or non-religious backgrounds.
⏹️ WELL-FUNDED EDUCATION
Adequate funding is essential for ensuring all students receive a quality education. The Texas Constitution mandates the establishment of a well-supported public education system to maintain a democratic society, requiring state funding for public schools.
Texas Constitution, Article 7, Section 5(c):
“The permanent school fund and the available school fund may not be appropriated to or used for the support of any sectarian school.”
NCJW Dallas supports bills like HB 276 (Bucy), which ensures that funding is based on student enrollment, not just attendance, and HB 1413 (Allen), which raises wages for public teachers and employees to retain high-quality educators.
POSITIONS ON THE 89TH LEGISLATIVE SESSION
✅ WE SUPPORT
- HB 351 & HB 595 (Goodwin, Howard): Adjusts funding for inflation, keeping pace with rising educational needs.
- HB 1413 (Allen): Increases wages for teachers and staff, helping retain high-quality educators.
- HB 659 (Gervin-Hawkins): Promotes diversity and inclusion in the social studies curriculum.
- SB 163 & SB 175 (Menendez): Increases funding for full-day pre-K programs.
⛔WE OPPOSE
- SB 2, HB 3, HB 612, HB 1657 (Creighton, Shaheen, Cunningham): Diverts public funds to private schools through education savings accounts, weakening public education.
- SB 10 (King): Requires the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms, undermining the secular nature of public education.
- SB 11 (Middleton): Mandates prayer or Bible readings in schools, infringing on religious freedom.
NCJW Dallas firmly believes that public education must remain inclusive, secular, and well-funded. We oppose efforts to undermine these principles by diverting funds to private institutions or introducing religious practices into the classroom. By supporting legislation that strengthens public schools, we protect the democratic values of equality, opportunity, and freedom for all Texas children. We urge our Texas legislators to advocate for a public education system that truly serves every child.