Texas Board Approves Bible Stories in Mandatory Reading List for Public Schools
By morganverity // 2026-06-30
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The Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) voted on June 26 to approve a mandatory reading list for public school students that includes stories from the Bible, expanding conservative efforts to incorporate Christian teachings into classrooms. The Republican-controlled board passed the measure by a 9-5-1 vote, according to multiple reports. The new requirements will apply to more than 5 million students across the state. [1][2] The approved list includes traditional literary works such as E.B. White's "Charlotte's Web" and Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations," along with Bible passages including excerpts from the New Testament and the Book of Job. The rollout is scheduled to begin with elementary school students in 2030, with later phases for older grades. [2][3]

Details of the Mandate

The list contains roughly 200 texts, including Bible passages, essays, and books, far exceeding a 2023 state law requiring at least one literary work per grade level. According to reports, elementary students will read picture-book Bible stories such as "David and Goliath" and "Daniel and the Lion's Den." By fourth grade, students would encounter passages about Jesus from the New Testament. [2][3] Middle school students are expected to read several passages about Jesus, including excerpts from his most famous sermon and instructions to seek the kingdom of God. For high schoolers, the list requires specific Bible passages as supportive material for literary works by authors such as Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. The list also mandates that students reading Shakespeare's "The Tragedy of Julius Caesar" also read a eulogy for President Ronald Reagan written by former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. [2][3]

Supporters' Perspective

Supporters of the mandate argue that Judeo-Christian traditions were fundamental to the nation's founding and should be reflected in the public school curriculum. Brooke Mazel, a retiree from Lubbock, told the board that her children and grandchildren grew up with "strong faith and family values." Mazel stated, "America should celebrate our 250 years that started as a nation of unwavering Christian values." [2][3] According to The New American, which reported on the decision, advocates point to the Bible's historical role in American education. The article cited Noah Webster, known as the "Father of American Scholarship and Education," who wrote, "The Bible was America's basic textbook in all fields." [4] The vote follows broader efforts in Texas to incorporate religion into schools, including a 2025 law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms. [5]

Critics' Perspective

Critics argue that the reading list lacks diversity and blurs the separation of church and state enshrined in the Constitution. Elva Mendoza, legislative communications associate for the Texas Freedom Network, said the mandate sends a message that "one and only one religious text, a Christian one, is worthy of making this required reading list." Mendoza added that kindergarten teachers should be trusted to choose their own books, questioning why books like "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" need to be mandatory. [2][3] Kasey Meehan, director of PEN America's Freedom to Read program, described the requirement as "almost de facto censorship" and said the list "excludes a lot of diverse voices." Frank Strong, an English and journalism teacher and co-founder of the student advocacy group Texas Freedom to Read, said diversity is important because it allows students to see themselves in what they read and to learn about other cultures. [2] Antero Garcia, president of the National Council of Teachers of English and a Stanford University professor, said he knows of no other state with a mandatory reading list that includes religious texts. [2]

Broader Context and Next Steps

Texas, which educates roughly one in 10 of the nation's public school students, has been at the forefront of conservative efforts to bring more religion into classrooms. The state already allows public schools to hire chaplains to counsel students, mandates the display of the Ten Commandments, and has approved an optional Bible-infused curriculum. [2][5] The board is also set to vote on a social studies curriculum that links Bible stories with American history. [2] According to a report from The New American, the decision is part of a wider cultural shift. The publication noted, "The first generation laughs at the Bible, the second questions the laughter, the third weeps because there is nothing left to laugh at." [6] The mandatory reading list is expected to face legal challenges from groups that argue it violates constitutional principles regarding the separation of church and state. [7]

References

  1. 100percentfedup.com. "Red State To Make Bible Passages Required Reading In Public Schools". 2026-06-26.
  2. The Epoch Times. "Texas Approves Bible Stories as Required Reading in Public Schools". 2026-06-26.
  3. BBC. "Bible stories become required reading for Texas schools". 2026-06-26.
  4. The New American. "Texas Will Now Require Students to Study the Bible, Triggering Christophobes". 2026-06-28.
  5. Zerohedge.com. "10 Commandment Displays Became Law In Texas, Then The Lawsuits Came". 2026-01-13.
  6. The New American. "Religious Revival USA: 'God Is Back'". 2025-11-26.
  7. Justthenews.com. "Texas officials debate adding Bible to public school reading". 2026-04-09.
  8. CBSNews.com. "Texas board approves adding Bible stories to required reading for public school students". June 26, 2026.
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