Say NO to Mandatory Bible Readings in Texas Public Schools

Background on the Texas State Board of Education's Reading List Proposal

In 2023, the Texas Legislature passed HB 1605, which requires the SBOE to provide a list of mandatory readings for each grade level in public schools. The Texas Education Agency's (TEA) proposed list of literary works was presented in the SBOE's January 2026 meeting. The list includes 13 passages from the Protestant Christian Bible (except for one outdated Jewish translation) and none from other faith traditions. Objections to the list led the SBOE to postpone its vote on adoption to its April meeting. The literary list will be considered on Tuesday, April 7, according to the draft agenda as of this post's publication.

Take Action

• Submit public comment: The SBOE is taking public comments on the reading list until Saturday, April 4. Fill out our form to receive a guide and sample language for submitting public comment.
• Testify at the SBOE: Join us in Austin and testify at the SBOE's meeting. It is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, but may be changed. We will have confirmation this week. Let us know if you'll join us and we'll keep you updated, including with transportation options.
• Learn and share: Check out our multifaith coalition's webpage for more information and trainings.

Problems with the Reading List

There are multiple problems with this list:

• The state requiring students of all and no faiths to read exclusively from the Protestant Christian Bible (except for one outdated Jewish translation) is a violation of religious freedom. It is an endorsement of one religion at the expense of others. Teaching of faith belongs to families, not the state.

• Additionally, students whose parent(s)/guardian(s) decide to withdraw them from the religious materials under SB12 are forced to choose between valuable instructional time and protecting their religious freedom. This reading list will arbitrarily divide students and coerce them to believing only one faith tradition is legitimate.

• The number of readings is too long for a teacher to meaningfully teach every material in addition to other curriculum needs. The list will require teachers to sacrifice substantive engagement and ignore students' specific needs in favor of quick, surface-level coverage.

• It strips away local control of education. Communities know best as to what their students should learn and teachers should have the autonomy to teach what they believe is most helpful for their classes.

An alternative list was proposed by Member Will Hickman. While it is an improvement from the original list, it still contains exclusively Protestant Christian Bible passages and is too lengthy for teachers.

Questions? Email RAC-TX Field Organizer Blake Ziegler.