Story perspectives

Texas Board Mandates Bible Reading List for Public Schools

7/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Texas State Board of Education approved a mandatory reading list with Bible passages for public schools, effective 2030-2031.
Hundreds of teachers and parents attended the meeting to oppose the mandate, which critics say violates separation of church and state and limits teachers’ material choices.
State leaders, including Attorney General James Uthmeier, support religious accommodations such as excused absences while Florida officials do not oppose Bible use but lack a comparable mandate.

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Story summary

Texas State Board of Education approved a mandatory reading list with Bible passages for public schools, effective 2030-2031.
Hundreds of teachers and parents attended the meeting to oppose the mandate, which critics say violates separation of church and state and limits teachers’ material choices.
State leaders, including Attorney General James Uthmeier, support religious accommodations such as excused absences while Florida officials do not oppose Bible use but lack a comparable mandate.