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Texas education board approves Bible stories as required reading in public schools
PBS • • general
Key Points:
- The Texas State Board of Education approved a mandatory reading list for over 5 million public school students that includes Bible passages alongside classic literature, marking a conservative push to incorporate Christian teachings in public schools.
- The list, which will be implemented starting in 2030 for elementary students, is unique nationally and departs from previous practices where schools or teachers selected reading materials.
- Critics argue the list lacks diversity, blurs the constitutional separation of church and state, and limits teacher and student choice, while supporters claim it reflects the nation's Judeo-Christian founding values.
- The reading list includes Bible stories for younger students and New Testament passages for middle and high schoolers, with some texts linked to conservative political figures, raising concerns about ideological bias.
- Texas continues to lead efforts to integrate religion in public education, also allowing chaplains in schools and mandating displays of the Ten Commandments, amid ongoing debates over inclusivity and educational freedom.
