government
Bible stories are approved as required reading in Texas public schools
By Jamie Stengle And Jim Vertuno, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· June 26, 2026
· 4 min read
Texas' education board on Friday approved a required reading list for more than 5 million public school students that includes Bible stories, widening conservative efforts to bring Christian teachings into U.S. classrooms.The state-mandated list of assigned reading — which includes Charles Dicken...
Key takeaway The State Board of Education, which is controlled by Republicans, approved the list on a 9-5 vote following weeks of contentious debate that again put Texas at the center of wrangling over the role of religion in public schools.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The Texas State Board of Education's vote on required Bible readings in public schools has significant implications for San Antonio 's diverse student population. As a city with a strong Catholic heritage and a growing population of students from various faith backgrounds, the proposal's focus on Christianity raises concerns about inclusivity and equity. San Antonio's public schools serve a large number of Hispanic and Latino students, many of whom may not identify as Christian, and the mandated reading list may make them feel excluded or marginalized. Furthermore, the city's educators may face challenges in implementing the new curriculum, particularly if it is perceived as promoting a specific religious agenda. The outcome of the vote will be closely watched by San Antonio's education community, which values diversity and inclusivity in its public schools. The decision may also spark a broader conversation about the role of religion in public education and its impact on the city's students.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Texas' education board on Friday approved a required reading list for more than 5 million public school students that includes Bible stories, widening conservative efforts to bring Christian teachings into U.S. classrooms.The state-mandated list of assigned reading — which includes Charles Dicken...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jamie Stengle And Jim Vertuno, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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