Texas makes Bible passages required reading for millions of public school students
Summary
Texas has made passages from the Bible required reading for millions of public school students starting in 2030. The new reading list, approved by the Republican-led Texas education board, includes Bible stories alongside other books for different grade levels.Key Facts
- The Texas education board approved a new statewide reading list including Bible passages for public school students.
- This change will affect over 5 million students, starting with elementary students in 2030.
- Bible excerpts for seventh graders include the Book of Jonah and Psalms; high school students will read parts of Lamentations and Genesis.
- The 2023 law requires the state to pick at least one literary work per grade, with the board suggesting multiple texts.
- Teachers can assign other books but must also include those on the required list.
- Critics say the new list favors Christianity and may conflict with the separation of church and state.
- Supporters say Judeo-Christian traditions are important to America’s history and deserve representation in schools.
- Texas has a large and diverse student population, with many Hispanic and Black students, raising concerns about the reading list’s diversity.
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