Texas board approves adding Bible stories to required reading for public school students
Updated on: June 26, 2026 / 2:29 PM CDT / AP
TL;DR
- Texas public schools will require students to read Bible stories as part of an approved reading list.
- The mandate affects over 5 million students and includes passages from the New Testament and Book of Job.
- Critics argue the list lacks diversity and blurs the separation of church and state.
- Supporters believe Judeo-Christian traditions are fundamental to the nation's founding and should be reflected in the curriculum.
- The rollout will be staggered, starting with elementary school students in 2030.