The Texas State Board of Education is preparing to vote on a proposal that could bring Bible passages into required reading for public school students, a move already stirring national debate.
According to documents obtained by The New York Times, the suggested curriculum would introduce seventh-grade students to stories such as “Jonah and the Whale” and chapter 23 from the Book of Psalms. Other selections under review include the story of David and Goliath, “The Tower of Babel,” and passages from the Book of Lamentations.
Board members are expected to hold a preliminary vote this week, with a final decision scheduled for June. Even if approved, the updated reading list would not take effect until 2030.
The proposal comes as part of a broader push within Texas to expand the presence of religious texts in public education. Over the past year, hundreds of schools across the state have already adopted optional English programs that incorporate Bible-based lessons.
Supporters argue the Bible holds historical and literary value that can enrich students’ understanding of culture and language. Critics, however, warn that introducing religious texts into public school requirements could blur the line between education and religious instruction.
Concerns have also emerged about representation. Reports indicate the proposed reading list may lack sufficient inclusion of Hispanic and Black authors, raising questions about diversity in the curriculum.
The Texas Education Agency has not yet issued an official response to the proposal.
The debate is not happening in isolation. Texas and several other states have recently attempted to require the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms. Those efforts have faced mixed outcomes, with ongoing legal challenges shaping how far such policies can go.
As the board moves closer to a decision, the issue is likely to remain a flashpoint in the broader national conversation about education, religion, and representation in public schools.
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