Texas education officials have approved a plan that would require public school students to read selected Bible passages as part of their classroom instruction starting in the 2030-2031 school year.The Texas State Board of Education voted to adopt a statewide literary reading list that includes passages from the Christian Bible along with other classic texts. This requirement, once fully implemented, will apply to public school students in all grades.Under the approved framework, schools will incorporate Bible passages into English and language arts education. Reported selections include famous Bible stories such as “David and Goliath,” “Noah’s Ark,” and passages from the New Testament.Proponents of the plan argue that the Bible has historical and cultural importance in understanding contexts in American literature and society. Some board members have said that the goal is to introduce students to the influential texts that have shaped the Western literary tradition, rather than to promote religious education.Critics have raised concerns about the inclusion of Christian scripture in the required public school curriculum. Opponents argue that the policy may blur the line between religious teaching and public education, and they question whether the list adequately reflects religious diversity.The decision is part of broader curriculum changes in Texas that follow a 2023 state law that requires education officials to develop required reading lists for students. The state has also expanded alternative and supplemental teaching materials that include religious content in earlier grades.The scheme is set to be rolled out gradually, starting with the primary school level and expanding to higher grades in subsequent years. Officials have said additional implementation details, including teacher guidance and instructional standards, will be finalized before the rollout begins.Texas, which educates millions of students, would become the first US state to require specific Bible passages as part of the mandatory reading list in public schools if the plan is fully implemented as scheduled.