Texas public schools will require students to read Bible stories under a reading list approved by the state's education board Friday, widening conservative efforts to bring more Christian teachings into U.S. classrooms.
The push in Texas has been closely followed by education observers, who say the required reading list appears to be the first of its kind in the nation and is departure from letting schools or teachers decide what students read.
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The Texas State Board of Education, which is controlled by Republicans, approved the list of over critics who argued the titles lacked diversity and and blurs the separation of church and state.
Supporters say Judeo-Christian traditions were fundamental to the nation's founding and that should be reflected in the public school curriculum.
Under the mandate, more than 5 million public school students in Texas must read traditional literary works such as E.B. White's "Charlotte's Web" and Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations." They'll also be required to read Bible stories, including passages from the New Testament and excerpts from the Book of Job.
Critics say the reading list lacks diversity, blurs the separation of church and state that is enshrined in the Constitution and leaves teachers and students with little room to decide what to read.
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"Kids of all faith backgrounds and no faith are served by Texas schools and they should all feel welcome in Texas schools," said Elva Mendoza, legislative communications associate for the progressive Texas Freedom Network. "But this is sending the message to children that one and only one religious text — a Christian one — is worthy of making this required reading list."
Others have applauded the possibility of mandated Christian religious reading in public schools. Brooke Mazel, a retiree from Lubbock, encouraged the board to adopt biblical materials, saying her children and grandchildren grew up with "strong faith and family values."
