Texas Board of Education Advances Reading List With Biblical Texts

The proposed curriculum includes several biblical selections, drawing criticism over emphasis on Christianity in public schools.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:50am

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A serene, cinematic painting of an empty classroom with desks and chairs, the space bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the debate over religious literature in public schools.The inclusion of biblical texts in Texas' proposed public school curriculum raises questions about the separation of church and state and the need for diverse cultural representation in education.Austin Today

The Texas State Board of Education has preliminarily approved a revised required reading list for public schools that includes several biblical texts, such as 'The Story of Job,' 'Jonah and the Whale,' and 'Everything There Is a Season' from the Book of Ecclesiastes. The inclusion of these religious materials has sparked criticism from some, who argue it represents an inappropriate emphasis on Christianity in the public school curriculum.

Why it matters

The debate over the reading list highlights ongoing tensions around the role of religion, particularly Christianity, in public education. Opponents argue the focus on biblical texts amounts to proselytizing, while supporters contend the materials reflect the historical and literary influence of Christianity in American culture.

The details

In a 9-5 vote, the State Board of Education advanced the proposed reading list, which would take effect in 2030. The curriculum includes a range of literary works, with several biblical selections required for upper-grade students. The list aligns with a recent state law mandating the inclusion of religious literature, specifically the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and New Testament, and their impact on history and literature.

  • The State Board of Education is expected to take a final vote on the measure in June 2026.
  • The proposed reading list would take effect in the 2030 school year.

The players

State Board of Education

The governing body responsible for setting curriculum standards and requirements for Texas public schools.

Rabbi Neil Blumofe

The senior rabbi at Congregation Agudas Achim, who expressed concerns about how the biblical texts would be taught, emphasizing the importance of broader cultural representation.

Mary Elizabeth Castle

A spokeswoman for the conservative lobbying group Texas Values, who argued the biblical materials reflect the historical and literary influence of Christianity in American culture.

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What they’re saying

“I think promoting literacy among our students is very important, but I think an indicator of success is how one reads the texts. If they're read for proselytizing, if they're read for showing that it's us versus them, I think that's gonna be a failure.”

— Rabbi Neil Blumofe, Senior Rabbi, Congregation Agudas Achim

“And we know that Christianity has had more of an influence on American culture and history than maybe some newer religions or religions that are more popular in other parts of the world. But also just when it comes to literature specifically, a lot of classical authors that they'll read actually reference the Bible.”

— Mary Elizabeth Castle, Spokeswoman, Texas Values

What’s next

The State Board of Education is expected to take a final vote on the proposed reading list in June 2026.

The takeaway

This debate over the inclusion of biblical texts in the Texas public school curriculum reflects the ongoing tensions around the role of religion, particularly Christianity, in public education. While supporters argue the materials reflect the historical and literary influence of Christianity, opponents contend the emphasis on these religious works amounts to inappropriate proselytizing in a public school setting.