Texas education officials have approved a plan that would require public school students to read selected Bible passages as part of classroom instruction starting in the 2030-2031 school year.The Texas State Board of Education voted to adopt a statewide literary reading list that includes passages from the Christian Bible as well as other classic texts. Once fully implemented, the requirement will apply to students at all grade levels in public schools.Under the approved framework, schools will incorporate Bible excerpts into English and language arts instruction. The anthology reportedly includes famous biblical stories such as “David and Goliath,” “Noah’s Ark,” and passages from the New Testament.Supporters of the program argue that the Bible has historical and cultural significance as a reference for understanding American literature and society. Some board members said the goal was to expose students to influential texts that shaped the Western literary tradition rather than promote religious education.Critics have raised concerns about the inclusion of Christian scriptures in the required curriculum in public schools. Opponents argue that the policy could blur the lines between religious instruction and public education, and they question whether the list adequately reflects religious diversity.The decision is part of a broader curriculum overhaul in Texas that follows a 2023 state law requiring education officials to establish required reading for students. The state has also expanded elective and supplemental instructional materials to include religious content in the lower grades.The program will be rolled out gradually, starting with primary schools and then expanding to higher grades in later years. Officials said other implementation details, including teacher guidance and teaching standards, will be finalized before the rollout.If the plan is fully implemented as planned, Texas, home to millions of students, would become the first U.S. state to require mandatory reading of specific Bible passages in public schools.
