The Texas State Board of Education has approved a new required reading list for over 5 million public school students that includes passages from the Bible. The decision, made by the Republican-controlled board, is seen by critics as an effort to infuse Christian teachings into public education and raises concerns about the separation of church and state. Supporters, however, argue that Judeo-Christian traditions are foundational to the United States and should be represented in schools.
The approved list mandates literary works such as Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations” alongside excerpts from the New Testament. This marks what observers believe to be a first in the nation, shifting from local control over reading selections to a statewide mandate. The implementation will be gradual, beginning with elementary school students in 2030.
This move aligns with broader conservative efforts in Texas to integrate religious elements into classrooms. The state previously enacted policies allowing public schools to hire chaplains, requiring the display of the Ten Commandments, and approving optional Bible-infused curricula.
Critics, including the Texas Freedom Network, contend that the list lacks diversity and sends a message that only Christian texts are considered worthy of inclusion. They argue that all students, regardless of their religious background, should feel welcome in Texas schools. Conversely, proponents express support for incorporating biblical readings, citing the importance of Christian values in the nation's history.
A state law enacted in 2023 requires that at least one literary work be taught in each grade level. The newly approved list includes approximately 200 texts, significantly exceeding this requirement. Educators typically select texts at the district or school level, making Texas's approach unique, according to Antero Garcia, president of the National Council of Teachers of English and a Stanford University professor. Kasey Meehan, director of PEN America’s Freedom to Read program, echoed this sentiment, calling the move distinctive to Texas.
The reading list includes stories like “David and Goliath” and “Daniel and the Lion’s Den” for elementary students. By fourth grade, students will be exposed to passages about Jesus from the New Testament. Middle school students will study multiple passages attributed to Jesus, including teachings on anxiety and seeking the kingdom of God. High school students will read specific Bible passages in conjunction with classical literary works, such as those by Charles Dickens and Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.”
Meehan described the strict requirements as a form of "almost de facto censorship," drawing parallels to book bans and stating that the list leans ideologically conservative, potentially excluding diverse voices. Frank Strong, an English and journalism teacher and co-founder of the student advocacy group Texas Freedom to Read, emphasized the importance of diversity in literature for students to see themselves represented and to learn about different cultures.
The board is also expected to vote on a social studies curriculum that connects Bible stories with American history. The inclusion of books like “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” for kindergartners has also drawn questions about the necessity of such specific mandates, with some arguing that kindergarten teachers should be trusted to select appropriate board books.