Texas Board of Education Mandates Bible Reading for Public Schools

The Texas State Board of Education approved a plan to require public school students to read selected Bible passages as part of a statewide literary reading list beginning in the 2030–2031 school year. The curriculum will integrate biblical stories and verses into English and language arts instruction from elementary school through high school, specifying the use of certain translations including the King James Bible.

This mandate is part of a broader redesign of K-8 social studies lessons that emphasizes Christian stories while deemphasizing racial, cultural, and geographic diversity. The overhaul includes eliminating the sixth-grade world cultures course and removing standards regarding the impact of race and ethnicity on society. While the board moved forward with K-8 changes, it delayed updates to high school U.S. history, world history, geography, and government due to concerns over content volume.

Supporters argue the Bible is an essential text for understanding Western literary tradition and the nation's founding. Critics, including educators and Democrats, contend the move violates the separation of church and state and prioritizes memorization over critical thinking. Although students may opt out of these lessons, reports indicate that doing so could potentially impact their grades.