Texas Education Board Approves Reading List Featuring Bible Passages for 5 Million Students

The Texas State Board of Education has endorsed a mandatory reading list for public schools, which notably incorporates selections from the Bible. This decision reflects ongoing efforts by conservative officials to integrate Christian instruction within the state's educational framework.

The board's Republican majority voted 9-5, with one member abstaining, to approve the curriculum for more than 5 million students enrolled in Texas public schools. Among the approximately 200 texts on the list are classic literary works, such as Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations," alongside specific passages from the New Testament.

This action, observers note, appears to be the first instance of a statewide mandated reading list of this nature in the United States. The approval followed extensive discussions between proponents and opponents. Critics voiced concerns that the list could prioritize Christianity over other faiths, undermine religious diversity and civil rights, and potentially blur the constitutional line separating church and state. Conversely, supporters maintained that Judeo-Christian traditions are foundational to the nation's origins and should therefore be integral to classroom instruction.

The newly adopted reading list is scheduled to be implemented for elementary school students starting with the 2030-31 academic year.

Broader Policy Context and Criticisms

This move is the latest in a series of educational measures enacted in Texas. Previous actions include authorizing public schools to employ chaplains for student counseling, mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms, and greenlighting an optional curriculum infused with biblical themes.

A 2023 state law stipulates that at least one literary work must be taught at each grade level. The recently approved list fulfills this requirement, encompassing a diverse collection of books, essays, and religious passages.

Elva Mendoza, a legislative communications associate with the progressive Texas Freedom Network, commented on the decision, expressing that the required reading list lacked sufficient diversity and limited teachers' and students' autonomy in selecting reading materials.

"Kids of all faith backgrounds and no faith are served by Texas schools and they should all feel welcome in Texas schools," Mendoza stated. "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."

The board was also slated to vote on a separate social studies curriculum on the same day, which proposes connecting biblical narratives with American history.