Texas adds Bible passages to school reading list, setting up church-state fight

Texas’ State Board of Education approved a required reading list that includes Bible passages and Bible stories on June 26, 2026. Reuters reported the board voted 9-5, while the Texas Tribune said the reading list will take effect during the 2030-31 school year.

The policy is now adopted, but it is not an immediate classroom change. AP said the list starts in 2030, and the board voted to phase in the reading and social studies changes over multiple years.

That has made the move a fresh church-state fight. AP reported the list covers more than 5 million public school students and includes passages from the New Testament; critics say the mandate favors Christianity, while supporters say the texts reflect America’s history and culture.

For readers, the key question is what implementation will look like once Texas schools begin using the list: district guidance, teacher training, and whether the policy draws a court challenge before it reaches classrooms.

Sources

• Texas State Board of Education announcement on new social studies standards and required literature reading list
• Associated Press report on Texas Bible passages in public-school reading list
• Texas Tribune coverage of the final board vote
• KUT public radio report on Texas curriculum change
• Reuters wire report on Texas school board vote