Washington (USA), Jun. 27 (LaPresse) – The Texas school board has approved a list of mandatory readings for more than 5 million public school students, which includes passages from the Bible. The Texas State Board of Education, controlled by Republicans, approved the list despite criticism from those who argued that the selected titles lack diversity and undermine the separation between church and state enshrined in the United States Constitution. Supporters of the initiative say that Judeo-Christian traditions have been fundamental to the founding of the nation and that this should be reflected in public school curricula. The proposal, which includes reading literary works such as “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens alongside passages from the New Testament, has been closely followed by sector observers, who say it is likely the first initiative of its kind in the country. It marks a shift from the practice of leaving it to schools or teachers to decide what students should read. Implementation will be gradual, starting with elementary school students in 2030.
US, Texas approves mandatory Bible reading in public schools
Washington (USA), Jun. 27 (LaPresse) – The Texas school board has approved a list of mandatory readings for more than 5 million public school students, which includes passages from the Bible. The Texas State Board of Education, controlled by Republicans, approved the list despite criticism from those who argued that the selected titles lack diversity and undermine the separation between church and state enshrined in the United States Constitution. Supporters of the initiative say that Judeo-Christian traditions have been fundamental to the founding of the nation and that this should be reflected in public school curricula. The proposal, which includes reading literary works such as “Great Expectations” by Charles Dickens alongside passages from the New Testament, has been closely followed by sector observers, who say it is likely the first initiative of its kind in the country. It marks a shift from the practice of leaving it to schools or teachers to decide what students should read. Implementation will be gradual, starting with elementary school students in 2030.
