Texas Becomes First U.S. State to Approve Mandatory Bible Stories in Public School Reading List

AUSTIN, Texas:
Texas has become the first U.S. state to approve a statewide mandatory reading list for public schools that includes Bible stories, marking a significant step in conservative efforts to expand the role of Christianity in classrooms.
The Texas State Board of Education approved the curriculum in a 9-5 vote after weeks of debate. The reading list, which will take effect in 2030, will apply to more than five million public school students across the state.
The curriculum includes selected passages from the New Testament alongside literary works such as Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations and writings by Jane Austen. Younger students will read illustrated Bible stories, including David and Goliath, while older students will study selected biblical passages as literary and historical references.
The decision follows last year’s move by Texas to require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom.
The measure has drawn criticism from educators, who argue it limits teachers’ ability to choose classroom materials. Dallas-area teacher Alice Dent said teaching Bible stories to non-Christian and atheist students could create tension in classrooms, regardless of how the material is presented academically.
Supporters, however, argue that Judeo-Christian traditions are fundamental to understanding American history and culture. Republican board member Brandon Hall described the decision as “historic.”
Education groups and free-expression advocates have also criticized the move, saying no other U.S. state currently mandates religious texts in a statewide required reading list in this way.