Texas education officials are poised to decide on a controversial initiative to require public school students statewide to read selected Bible passages, a proposal that would affect roughly 5.5 million students statewide and further fuel the continual debate over religion in public education.

The Republican-controlled Texas State Board of Education is expected to take a final vote on the mandatory reading list this Friday, which would take effect in 2030 if approved.

The proposal would require students from kindergarten through high school to read about a dozen biblical stories and passages as part of English instruction, including Noah’s Ark, David and Goliath, Daniel and the Lion’s Den, Psalm 23, the Beatitudes, and excerpts from Genesis, Exodus, and the New Testament.

Supporters say the curriculum reflects the historical influence of Judeo-Christian teachings on the United States.

“We need to focus on what our nation was founded on and not apologize for that,” Susan Perez, founder of Citizens for Education Reform, said during testimony this week to the board of education.

More here

Tagged: Schools BACK TO HOMEPAGE