Texas Schools to Read Bible Stories: What Parents Need to Know
Texas State Board of Education to Decide on Required Reading List
The Texas State Board of Education will decide in June whether to mandate a list of required reading for all public schools. The proposed list would feature 13 Bible stories, starting with Noah’s Ark in first grade. Every class from first through twelfth grades would have at least one biblical passage—kindergarten is excluded.
Source Material
The texts mainly come from the books of Luke, Genesis and Matthew. No other religions are represented, sparking criticism that the curriculum is too focused on Christianity and excludes other faiths. Some board members worry it could violate the constitutional separation of church and state.- Timeline
- April: Board gave a provisional green light.
- June 22‑26: Final vote during the board meeting.
- Comments due online by June 15, 5 p.m.
- In‑person testimony allowed June 16‑19.
Implementation
If approved, the list will take effect for the 2030‑31 school year. Local districts would still be able to add extra reading materials beyond the state list, as required by a 2023 law that obliges the Texas Education Agency to create a statewide curriculum. Previously, districts could choose their own books based on state standards.Proposal Evolution
The current proposal is a trimmed version of the original January draft, which had more than 300 items. Several literary works by Mary Shelley and Booker T. Washington were removed, as well as seven Bible readings.- Stakeholder Positions
- Supporters (mostly Republican board members) argue that biblical stories have historical value.
- Opponents (including some Democratic members) warn that including religious texts could be seen as government endorsement of a particular faith.
The debate reflects broader questions about what should appear in public school reading lists and how to balance tradition with inclusivity.
