Texas Requires Bible Stories in Public Schools From Kindergarten Through Grade 12

The curriculum includes stories such as Daniel and the Lion’s Den, Noah’s Ark, and David and Goliath for students as young as six.

Background on the Policy The board is Republican-led and approved the measure along party lines. The state’s large textbook market means publishers often adjust materials to meet Texas standards, which can influence content sold to other states. Texas Freedom Network, an advocacy group, said the board’s conservative members have previously opposed certain sex education lessons, climate change instruction, and evolution content in biology textbooks.

” In an email, Laser added that other states have copied earlier Texas measures on displaying the Ten Commandments and placing religious chaplains in schools. A bill introduced in Tennessee this year would require Bible instruction as literature. Last year Texas passed a law requiring Ten Commandments displays in classrooms; parents sued, and a federal appeals court ruled against them in April.

Andrew Freeman of Texas Freedom Network said one curriculum advisor founded a Christian Nationalist organization. He added that the curriculum presents a version of history that highlights some perspectives while excluding others. Savleen Singh of the Sikh Coalition said a reading list centered on the Bible raises concerns about religious favoritism.

State education officials said parents may opt children out of specific lessons, but students could still face assessment on the material. Freeman stated the policy could set a precedent for other states in the South.