Texas education board approves Bible stories as required reading in public schools

The Texas State Board of Education has approved a new required reading list for over 5 million public school students, incorporating passages from the Bible. This move represents a significant expansion of conservative efforts to introduce Christian teachings into U.S. classrooms.

The Republican-controlled board passed the list despite objections from critics who argued that the selected titles lack diversity and undermine the constitutional separation of church and state. Supporters of the decision contend that Judeo-Christian traditions are foundational to the United States and that this should be reflected in the public school curriculum.

This initiative, which mandates literary works like Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations" alongside New Testament passages, is reportedly the first of its kind in the nation. Unlike previous practices where schools or teachers had discretion over reading materials, this list will be implemented in stages, starting with elementary school students in 2030. Texas, educating about one in ten U.S. public school students, has been a leading state in conservative efforts to integrate religion into education.

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Kids of all faith backgrounds and no faith are served by Texas schools and they should all feel welcome in Texas schools. But this is sending the message to children that one and only one religious text, a Christian one, is worthy of making this required reading list.

Critics, such as Elva Mendoza of the Texas Freedom Network, expressed concern that the list sends a message that only Christian texts are worthy of required reading, potentially alienating students of all faiths and no faith. Conversely, supporters like Brooke Mazel from Lubbock celebrated the inclusion, stating, "America should celebrate our 250 years that started as a nation of unwavering Christian values."

The board is also considering a social studies curriculum that connects Bible stories with American history. A 2023 state law mandated a list of at least one literary work per grade level, but the new list includes approximately 200 texts, far exceeding this requirement. Antero Garcia, president of the National Council of Teachers of English, noted that he is unaware of any other state with a mandatory reading list that includes religious texts.

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America should celebrate our 250 years that started as a nation of unwavering Christian values.