West Virginia Bill Would Require Bible Display in Classrooms

Proposed legislation would mandate certain public schools display the Aitken Bible.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 1:47pm

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The West Virginia State Senate is considering a bill that would require public schools and charter schools to display the Robert Aitken Bible, recognized as the first complete Bible printed in English within the United States, in fourth-grade, eighth-grade, and 10th-grade social studies classrooms. The bill would allow schools to accept private donations to purchase the Bibles, but prohibit the use of public funds.

Why it matters

This proposed legislation is part of a broader effort in West Virginia to increase the presence of religious materials in public schools, following a 2025 law requiring the display of the 'In God We Trust' motto. The bill's supporters view the Aitken Bible as an important historical artifact, while critics argue it violates the separation of church and state.

The details

Senate Bill 388 would mandate that public schools and charter schools make the Robert Aitken Bible accessible in all fourth-grade, eighth-grade, and 10th-grade social studies classrooms. Schools would be allowed to accept private donations to purchase the Bibles, but prohibited from using public funds. The Aitken Bible is recognized as the first complete Bible printed in English within the newly formed United States.

  • The West Virginia State Senate is currently considering Senate Bill 388.

The players

Senate Bill 388

Proposed legislation that would require public schools and charter schools in West Virginia to display the Robert Aitken Bible in certain classrooms.

Robert Aitken Bible

The first complete Bible printed in English within the newly formed United States.

Senator Brian Helton

A Republican state senator from Fayette County, West Virginia, who supports the bill and views the Aitken Bible as an important historical artifact.

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What they’re saying

“Mainly, we're talking about the Aitken Bible. Now this was the original Bible, the first one ever created actually in the United States, so prior to that every bible before had actually been brought in from England.”

— Senator Brian Helton, State Senator

“You know this past week at the capital was Bible day, a group had come in and one thing that is interesting of the historical nature of our students there are only seven of those Bibles that actually remain in existence and so having that within our classroom is an important part of our history.”

— Senator Brian Helton, State Senator

What’s next

The Senate Education Committee has approved the legislation, sending it to the full West Virginia State Senate for consideration.

The takeaway

This proposed bill is part of a broader effort in West Virginia to increase the presence of religious materials in public schools, raising concerns about the separation of church and state, even as supporters argue the Aitken Bible has historical significance.