Texas Board Set to Vote on Bible Readings for 5.5 Million Students

3 articles · Updated · The Associated Press · Jun 25

Friday’s vote would make Bible stories required reading across Texas public schools, with the mandate taking effect in 2030 if the Republican-controlled board approves it.
The proposal would introduce biblical texts from elementary through high school, including “David and Goliath,” passages about Jesus by fourth grade, and later readings from Job, Adam and Eve, and the prodigal son.
One Noah’s Ark picture book was dropped this week after a board member objected to its limited text and descriptions of animals killed in the flood, but the broader list still relies heavily on the King James Bible and evangelical translations.
Critics say the plan breaches church-state separation and sidelines Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, atheist and other students, while supporters argue Judeo-Christian traditions were central to the nation’s founding.
Texas, home to about one in 10 U.S. public school students, has already allowed school chaplains, approved an optional Bible-infused curriculum and required Ten Commandments displays, making the state a leading test case for religion in classrooms.

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The Associated Press21h ago

Texas State Board of Education to Vote on Mandating Bible Stories for 5.5 Million Public School Students

The New York Times1d ago

Texas State Board of Education to Approve State Book List Mandating Bible Excerpts

KTRK-TV1d ago

Texas schools: Select Bible passages for proposed reading list for students released - ABC13 Houston

14 Sources

What happens when one reading list shapes the minds of five million students?

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Texas Poised to Require Bible Readings in Public Schools: State Board’s Pivotal Vote on June 27, 2026

Overview

The Texas State Board of Education is set to vote on June 27, 2026, on a proposal that would require Bible passages and stories—mainly from the King James Bible and evangelical translations—as mandatory reading in public schools. This decision will affect over 5 million students, with the new curriculum planned for elementary grades starting in the 2030-31 school year. Supporters believe this will help students understand Christianity’s influence on U.S. history, while critics worry it favors specific Christian interpretations and could lead to legal challenges. The move marks a significant shift in how reading materials are chosen for Texas schools.

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