Texas education officials have approved a plan that will require public school students to read select Bible passages as part of their classroom instruction starting in the 2030-2031 school year.The Texas State Board of Education has voted to adopt a statewide literary reading list that includes passages from the Christian Bible as well as other classic texts. This requirement will apply to public school students across grades once fully implemented.Under the approved framework, schools will integrate Bible excerpts into English and language arts instruction. Reported selections include such famous biblical stories as “David and Goliath,” “Noah’s Ark,” and passages from the New Testament.Supporters of the plan argue that the Bible has historical and cultural significance in understanding references in American literature and society. Some board members said the goal was to introduce students to influential texts that shaped the Western literary tradition rather than to promote religious education.Critics have raised concerns about the inclusion of the Christian Bible in required public school curricula.
Opponents say the policy could blur the line between religious education and public education, and question whether the list adequately reflects religious diversity.The decision is part of a broader curriculum reform in Texas that follows a 2023 state law requiring education officials to develop a required reading list for students. The state also expanded electives and supplementary educational subjects that include religious content in earlier grades.The plan is scheduled to be implemented gradually, starting with primary school levels before expanding to higher grades in subsequent years. Officials said additional implementation details, including teacher guidance and instructional standards, will be finalized before implementation begins.Texas, which educates millions of students, will become the first U.S. state to require specific Bible passages as part of the mandatory reading list in public schools if the plan goes fully as scheduled.