Bible stories are approved as required reading in Texas public schools

AP News ^ | Updated 6:02 PM CDT, June 26, 2026 | JAMIE STENGLE and JOHN HANNA

[E. Pluribus Unum]

DALLAS (AP) — Texas’ education board on Friday approved a required reading list for more than 5 million public school students that includes Bible stories, widening conservative efforts to bring Christian teachings into U.S. classrooms.

The state-mandated list of assigned reading — which includes Charles Dickens’ “Great Expectations” and excerpts from the New Testament — appeared to be among the first of its kind of the nation and will take effect starting in 2030.

The State Board of Education, which is controlled by Republicans, approved the list on a 9-5 vote following weeks of contentious debate that again put Texas at the center of wrangling over the role of religion in public schools. Last year, Texas became the largest state to require teachers to hang the Ten Commandments in every classroom.

The board this week was also considering new social studies curriculum that draws lines between Bible stories and American history.

Beyond objections over Bible readings, the mandate drew backlash from teachers who criticized losing the ability to decide what their students will read, although they are still allowed to assign additional books during the school year.

“I don’t have a problem reading about David and Goliath because I believe in those stories,” said Alyse Dent, a high school English teacher in the Dallas area. “But if I’m reading to one of my students — they’re Muslim or they’re atheist — I can say all day long, ‘Well, we’re teaching a theme, we’re teaching symbolism,’ but they’re hearing, ‘This is a Bible story. We’re talking about God.’”

Supporters of the changes have argued that Judeo-Christian traditions were fundamental to the nation’s founding and that should be reflected in the public school curriculum.

“These timeless works, including...”

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TOPICS: Culture/Society; Government; US: Texas
KEYWORDS: associatedpress; jamiestengle; johnhanna; texas

[Ronald77]

By 2030 the communist party could be in control with maos book mandatory.

[escapefromboston]

If muslims don’t like it they should go back to their terrible countries.

[gibsonguy]

Starting in 2030. Sounds like they want it to get blocked or canceled.

[ansel12]

First, how did the bible get out of the schools, since it used to be there.

[Da Coyote]

The problem is that the muzzies will demand the same for their....er....holy writings. And sheep are quaking in fear of what’s coming.

[oldplayer]

In 1967 my advanced literature class had a number of Biblical stories on the approved reading list. Our teacher was great and those of use who chose to read these books learned so very much. I learned how so much of the literature of Western Civilization uses these stories as the basis for famous classic literature, poetry, music, and art.

[No name given]

My thoughts exactly.

[No name given]

Let’s make sure that never happens.

[TLI]

“Beyond objections over Bible readings, the mandate drew backlash from teachers who criticized losing the ability to decide what their students will read, although they are still allowed to assign additional books during the school year.”

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Johnny has two Dads?

Billy fists Steffon?

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Because they are the “teachers” kids, and that is the real agenda.

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[Mr. Blond]

Next comes mandatory Quran teaching. Then mandatory Bhagavad Gita teaching. “Separation” is to protect religion from the State.

[curious7]

There is no ‘separation of church and state’ in the constitution. And the Republic was formed and went on for centuries including prayer and bible reading in schools. It was the godless commies last century who worked so hard to get both tossed out. If the muzzoids want to hear their koran or the hindus their Bhagavad Gita they can move to countries that were founded by there kind of worshipers. Leave this Republic if they don’t like it.