Texas Considers Requiring Biblical Stories in Public Schools

Proposal sparks debate over role of religion in classrooms

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:26pm

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The Texas State Board of Education is considering a proposal that would require public school students to read biblical stories like Jonah and the whale. The move has sparked a contentious debate over the role of religion in the classroom, with some arguing it is essential for understanding the nation's history and morals, while others see it as unconstitutional proselytization.

Why it matters

This debate in Texas, a state that educates about one in 10 of the nation's public school students, could have significant national implications as part of wider efforts across the U.S. to incorporate more religion into public school curricula, particularly in Republican-led states.

The details

The proposed reading list stems from a 2023 state law that called for the creation of a state-approved list of high-quality materials. It would require third graders to learn about the Road to Damascus story of Paul's transformation, and seniors to study the Book of Job. The list also includes classic literature, works by famous African Americans, and content about Texas history and symbols.

  • In 2023, Texas became the first state to allow chaplains in public schools.
  • Last year, a Republican-led mandate that the Ten Commandments be displayed in public schools took effect in Texas, although around two dozen districts took them down due to a lawsuit.
  • A final vote on the reading list is expected in June 2026, and if approved by the Texas State Board of Education, the changes would take effect in 2030.

The players

Texas State Board of Education

The state education board that is debating and will vote on the proposed reading list requirement.

Nathan Irving

A pastor and father of eight from Myrtle Springs, Texas, who argued that the passages are essential for understanding the nation's history and morals.

Rabbi Josh Fixler

Of Congregation Emanu El, a reform synagogue in Houston, who told the board that the list is a tool of proselytization that has no place in public schools.

Megan Boyden

A mother of three from Denton, Texas, who described the proposal as a direct attack on her private Christian faith.

Allison Cardwell

A mother of a fourth grader and a fifth grade social studies teacher, who urged the board to rethink the standards, arguing that fifth grade would be the only time most Texas students receive instruction in U.S. history until high school.

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What they’re saying

“Our children need truth. Truth is the only currency that never devalues. Investing truth into our children is the most loving thing that we can do for them. This country and this state were founded upon a Christian worldview. Like it or not, it is true.”

— Nathan Irving, Pastor and father

“This list is a tool of proselytization that has no place in our public schools. There is a difference between teaching about religion and teaching religion, and this list will force teachers to cross that line.”

— Rabbi Josh Fixler, Of Congregation Emanu El

“As a Christian mother, it is my right and responsibility to teach our family's religion. It is not the state's job to shed through the lens of a teacher who may not share the same beliefs I do. Will Bible passages be taught in conflict with my beliefs? What of non-Christian students?”

— Megan Boyden, Mother of three

“We have to ask ourselves, How can we expect to create citizens who value liberty, responsibility, and the principles this country was founded on, if we don't ensure that they truly understand those foundations?”

— Allison Cardwell, Mother and teacher

What’s next

A final vote on the reading list is expected in June 2026, and if approved by the Texas State Board of Education, the changes would take effect in 2030.

The takeaway

This debate in Texas highlights the ongoing tensions over the role of religion in public education, with proponents arguing it is essential for understanding the nation's history and morals, while opponents see it as unconstitutional proselytization. The outcome could have significant national implications as part of wider efforts to incorporate more religion into school curricula, particularly in Republican-led states.