Texas State Board of Education votes to require millions of students to study Bible stories

The Texas State Board of Education has approved a plan requiring K-12 students to study biblical texts as part of their English and literature curriculum. This decision will affect over 5 million students and reflects a growing trend to incorporate Christian teachings in public education.

The new curriculum goes beyond a previous law mandating one approved literary work per grade and instead requires multiple titles, to be read in their entirety. Critics argue the curriculum favors Christianity and undermines the separation of church and state. Supporters contend that studying the Bible is essential for understanding Western and American history and culture.

The board also proposes changes to social studies, focusing more on the U.S. and Texas history and reducing global studies. The new requirements are set to take effect in 2030.