A major decision is looming over what millions of Texas students will read in the classroom.

The State Board of Education is preparing a new reading list that will begin its roll out in 2030. Since Monday, board members have been at the Capitol working to finalize the reading list before voting on its approval during their meeting on Friday.

The proposal includes nearly 200 works of literature, everything from picture books in elementary school to classic and historical texts like “The Scarlet Letter” and “Hamlet.” One of the list’s biggest sticking points has been the inclusion of religious stories and passages.

Under the proposal, students in elementary school would be required to read more than two dozen texts. Middle and high school students would read about 10 literary works each year. Many people who testified this week urged the board to shorten the list, add more diverse authors, and remove some of the religious references.

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Several said the readings do not fully reflect the backgrounds and experiences of Texas’ diverse student population. Supporters, however, praised the proposal, saying the inclusion of biblical texts are important for understanding the nation’s Judeo-Christian roots and historical influences.

“What we’re doing is we’re fulfilling state law,” Board member Julie Pickren said. “We’re not teaching a religion. What we are doing is we’re bringing in the Old Testament and the New Testament for cultural relevance and literary relevance.”

Some teachers also raised concerns about fitting so many required books into a single school year while still giving students time to choose their own reading materials. The Board is required to create this reading list under House Bull 1605, a 2023 state law. If approved, this would be the first example in recent history of Texas leaders requiring religious reading in public schools.

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