Full Breakdown
Texas Board Approves Statewide Required Reading List Including Bible Passages
6/27/2026, 8:43:12 AM
Texas Board Approves First State-Mandated Reading List with Biblical Selections
On June 26, 2026 the Texas State Board of Education, a 15-member body with a Republican majority, voted 9-5-1 to adopt a new Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) reading list. The list, covering kindergarten through 12th grade, requires all public-school students—approximately 5.5 million—to read a combination of classic literature and designated Bible passages. Implementation will be staggered, beginning with elementary grades in the 2030-31 school year.
Legislative Background and 2023 Mandate
A 2023 Texas statute obliges the state board to designate at least one literary work for each grade level. The board expanded this requirement, recommending roughly 200 titles, including excerpts from the Book of Jonah, Psalms, Genesis, Lamentations, and the New Testament. The law was intended to standardize vocabulary and reading curricula across the state’s large public-school system.
Key Figures and Groups
- Aaron Kinsey – Board chair, who posted that “students win when Republicans stand with Texans.”
- Brandon Hall – District 2 board member, who emphasized America’s Christian heritage.
- Dan Patrick – Lieutenant governor, who asserted that “separation of church and state is not in the Constitution.”
- Elva Mendoza – Legislative communications associate, Texas Freedom Network.
- Brooke Mazel – Retiree from Lubbock supporting the list.
- Antero Garcia – President, National Council of Teachers of English, Stanford professor.
- Kasey Meehan – Director, PEN America’s Freedom to Read program.
Scope and Numbers
- Students affected: ~5.5 million (? 11 % of U.S. public-school enrollment).
- Texts approved: ~200 titles, including classic works such as *Charlotte’s Web*, *Great Expectations*, *Hamlet*, and Bible excerpts.
- Vote tally: 9 in favor, 5 against, 1 abstention.
Implications for Education and Constitutional Concerns
Proponents argue that Judeo-Christian literature is integral to American history and civic understanding. Critics contend the list breaches the First-Amendment principle of church-state separation, reduces curricular diversity, and privileges Christianity over other faiths. The policy also raises questions about teachers’ autonomy, as mandated titles must be taught in addition to any supplementary selections.
Official Statements & Responses
The board framed the list as a means to “reflect the cultural and historical influences that shaped the nation.” TEA deputy commissioner Shannon Trejo noted that districts may adopt the list at their own pace, though supplemental instructional materials will not be available until later. Board member Evelyn Brooks expressed concern over the expanding mandate, likening it to a “book-club Gestapo.”
Criticism & Opposition
Elva Mendoza (Texas Freedom Network) warned that the policy “sends the message that one religious text—Christian—is the only one worthy of required reading.” Kasey Meehan (PEN America) described the list as “almost de facto censorship” that “excludes a lot of diverse voices.” Rabbi Joshua Fixler (Houston Reform Congregation) argued the requirement forces teachers to “teach religion” rather than “teach about religion.”
On-the-Ground Reactions
Public comment sessions attracted hundreds of participants, with testimony split between supporters praising the inclusion of biblical literature and opponents decrying perceived indoctrination. Board member Brandon Hall highlighted community support for “Judeo-Christian foundations,” while opponents cited concerns about age-appropriateness and lack of representation for non-Christian traditions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of texts: some cite “around 200,” others reference “over 150” or a “par-down from roughly 300.” Details on the specific Bible passages vary, with some lists naming Jonah, Psalms, and Genesis, while others mention additional New-Testament excerpts. No comprehensive teacher-guide has been released, leaving implementation procedures unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “But this is sending the message to children that one and only one religious text — a Christian one — is worthy of making this required reading list.” — Elva Mendoza, Texas Freedom Network
- “America should celebrate our 250 years that started as a nation of unwavering Christian values,” — Brooke Mazel, Lubbock retiree
- “America and Texas have been a Christian nation and a Christian state forever,” — Brandon Hall, Board member (District 2)
- “From this day forward, that phrase should have no power over people of all faiths ever again in America.” — Dan Patrick, Lieutenant Governor
- “Antero Garcia, president of the National Council of Teachers of English and a Stanford University professor, said he doesn't know of any other state with a mandatory reading list that includes religious texts.” — Antero Garcia, National Council of Teachers of English
What’s Next
The board will vote later this month on a revised social-studies TEKS that links Bible stories to American history. Legal challenges are anticipated from civil-rights groups, and districts will begin integrating the required texts as early as the 2030-31 school year, pending the release of publisher-provided instructional materials.
