The Texas State Board of Education has approved a required reading list that includes passages from the Bible, a move that marks the latest effort to expand Christian teachings in public schools. The list was approved by a vote of 9-5, with one abstention, and will apply to the state's more than 5 million public school students. The decision has been closely watched by education observers, who note that it appears to be the first statewide required reading list of its kind in the United States. The list includes a range of works, such as Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations" and passages from the New Testament.
The decision came after intense debate between supporters and critics of the plan. Critics argue that the required reading list promotes Christianity over other religions and blurs the constitutional separation of church and state. They also contend that the list lacks diversity and does not give teachers and students the flexibility to choose what they read. Supporters, on the other hand, argue that Judeo-Christian traditions are fundamental to the nation's founding and should be reflected in classroom instruction.
The required reading list will take effect beginning with the 2030-31 school year for elementary school students. It contains roughly 200 texts, including books, essays, and passages from the Bible. The list is part of a series of education measures in Texas, including allowing public schools to hire chaplains to counsel students and requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms. A 2023 law requires a mandatory list of at least one literary work to be taught at each grade level.
Critics of the decision, including the Texas Freedom Network, argue that the required reading list sends the wrong message to students of different faith backgrounds. They contend that the list should be more diverse and inclusive, and that it should give teachers and students more flexibility in choosing what they read. One critic noted that the list is likely to make students from other faith backgrounds feel unwelcome in Texas schools.
The board's decision is part of a broader trend in Texas to incorporate more Christian teachings into public education. The state has approved an optional Bible-infused curriculum and has allowed public schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms. The board was also expected to vote on a new social studies curriculum that links Bible stories with American history, further solidifying the role of Christian teachings in Texas public schools.
