Texas Poised to Require Bible Readings in Public Schools

Texas is poised to hand its 5 million-plus public school students something they've never had before: a single state-approved reading list that, in many grades, will include mandated Bible passages, reports the New York Times. The Texas State Board of Education, led by a 10-5 GOP majority, is expected to vote Friday on a K-12 list of roughly 200 texts that emphasizes classic works like Charlotte's Web, Night, Hamlet, and Dante's Inferno, while requiring at least one biblical excerpt yearly from fourth grade on.

Backers say the Bible is foundational to US history and culture and insist it's being used as literature, not religious instruction. Critics—including civil liberties and religious groups—warn the move blurs church-state boundaries and favors evangelical Christian versions of the texts. "Kids of all faith backgrounds and no faith are served by Texas schools, and they should all feel welcome in Texas schools," says Elva Mendoza of the Texas Freedom Network, per the AP.

The plan also faces pushback from educators who say the list leans heavily on older works by white male authors, with few contemporary or Texas writers, and could squeeze out teacher choice. Notably absent: staples like Romeo and Juliet, The Great Gatsby, and To Kill a Mockingbird. If given the green light, the canon would be fully in place by the 2030 school year.