New York Knicks player Josh Hart, recently crowned an NBA champion, expressed his approval on social media following the Texas State Board of Education's decision to mandate Bible passages as part of public school curricula.
The 31-year-old athlete has consistently spoken about his faith during his nine years in the league, often referencing God in interviews and online posts. His reaction to the board's resolution suggested clear enthusiasm.
On the platform X, Hart shared his sentiment with the biblical phrase, "Whoever has ears let them hear," accompanied by three fire emojis.
Texas Education Board's Curriculum Update
The education board formally approved the new mandatory reading list on Friday, with a vote of 9 in favor, 5 against, and 1 abstention. This curriculum now includes texts such as the Book of Exodus for students in fifth grade and "The Shepherd’s Psalm" for those in seventh grade.
Julie Pickren, a Republican member of the Texas State Board of Education, articulated that the readings are intended to offer "important insight into the moral and philosophical traditions that have shaped Western civilization."
"A classical approach to education, one that emphasizes the careful study of primary historical documents, plays a vital role in developing strong critical thinking skills in students," Pickren stated. "When students engage directly with original writings, speeches, sermons, and foundational texts, they can evaluate ideas and develop a deeper understanding of the principles that have shaped the USA and Texas."
Hart's Championship Season Contributions
The Knicks' path to the NBA championship was often characterized by remarkable comebacks, with the team frequently overcoming significant fourth-quarter deficits to secure wins.
Throughout the NBA Finals, Hart maintained his consistent performance, contributing robust defense, strong rebounding, and effective offensive facilitation. Across the team’s 19 playoff contests, he recorded averages of 10.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.7 steals per game.
