The Texas State Board of Education has approved a new statewide reading list that will make Bible passages mandatory for over 5 million public school students. This initiative, set to roll out starting with elementary schools in 2030, marks a significant shift in the state’s educational approach and has reignited the ongoing debate about the role of religion in public classrooms.
The decision comes on the heels of a 2026 Texas law that required state education officials to designate at least one literary work for each grade level. The board expanded on this mandate by recommending multiple texts for each grade, including excerpts from the Bible. While teachers can still assign additional books, they must include the required selections.
The New Reading List and Its Implications
The reading list includes passages from the Book of Jonah and the Book of Psalms for seventh-grade students, with additional excerpts from the Book of Lamentations and the Book of Genesis for high school students. This inclusion of religious texts has sparked strong criticism from opponents who argue that it breaches the constitutional separation of church and state and lacks diversity.
Supporters, however, contend that Judeo-Christian traditions played a central role in the country’s founding and should be represented in public school teachings. They argue that understanding Christianity is essential to comprehending American history and literature. Mary Castle with Texas Values stated, “Very happy about students having that access to scripture that helps them understand classical literature.”
Criticism and Controversy
The curriculum has drawn criticism not only for its inclusion of religious texts but also for its heavy emphasis on older works, many written by white male authors. In a state where more than half of public school students are Hispanic or Black, this focus has raised concerns about representation and inclusivity.
Critics like Andrew Freeman with the Texas Freedom Network have expressed worries that the new standards will leave some students feeling excluded. “Not only does it set our kids up for failure, it also sends a very clear message to the kids who are in public schools who are now of different faiths, of different backgrounds,” Freeman said. He emphasized that while teaching about Christianity is acceptable, other religions should be given equal attention.
Public Reaction and Political Context
The move by the Texas education board is part of a broader trend in the state to increase the role of religion in classrooms. Last year, Texas became the largest state to require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every classroom. This initiative is seen as a continuation of efforts to integrate religious elements into public education.
The changes have also sparked public outcry, with nearly 500 residents traveling to Austin to voice their concerns during a public comment session. Mohammed and Ruth Nasrullah from the Clear Lake area near Houston were among those who testified, expressing their fears about the potential “manipulation” of world history and the inclusion of Christian texts.
Conservative activist Bonnie Wallace, on the other hand, supported the changes, arguing that children need to be introduced to Jesus and that the reading list is a step in the right direction. “Children are living lonely, desperate lives. They have not been introduced to Jesus. We have forgotten to focus on what is pure, what is noble, what is holy,” Wallace said.
The new required reading list is scheduled to take effect in 2030, with both the reading and social studies changes expected to be phased in over several years. The board also postponed decisions on several high school social studies courses, including U.S. History, World History, and World Geography, until at least September.