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(https://www.the-sun.com/author/allan-glen/) Allan Glen  , News Reporter   Published:  12:48, 2 Sep 2026    (https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=https://www.the-sun.com)       Add us as a preferred source           (https://x.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.the-sun.com%2Fnews%2F16938138%2Freading-mandate-force-bible-studies-texas-public-schools&text=New%20‘reading’%20mandate%20comes%20into%20effect%20for%205.5million%20Americans) Share on X (Opens in new window) X   (https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.the-sun.com%2Fnews%2F16938138%2Freading-mandate-force-bible-studies-texas-public-schools&t=New%20‘reading’%20mandate%20comes%20into%20effect%20for%205.5million%20Americans) Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook     (16938138.html#thesun-openweb-comments-container)   Comment now    A NEW reading mandate is coming into effect for millions of Americans. The rule will force teachers in one state to ensure all students in grades 1 to 12 read passages and stories in the (https://www.thesun.co.uk/tech/40201791/true-tomb-jesus-uncovered-bible/) Bible . Coming into effect in 2030, the mandate is part of a new reading list for public schools in (https://www.the-sun.com/where/texas/) Texas . Teachers will have to follow the list, which has been approved by the State Board of Education. Advertisement   Sign up for The US Sun newsletter   Thank you!    (thesuncom) (e0525f6200)  (/news/16938138/)  (news) () Email address      Please provide a valid email.    (Sign up)   Your info will be used in accordance with our (https://newsprivacy.co.uk/) Privacy Policy   You'll now receive top stories, breaking news, and more, straight to your email.   (1)     This is the first time in the state’s history such a mandate has been enforced in the state. According to reports, Texas is also the first state in the US to  (https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/social-studies-overhaul-bible-christianity-22320559.php) mandate the reading of direct religious texts  .  READ MORE school rules   (https://www.the-sun.com/news/16928025/cupcakes-banned-public-schools-arizona-chemical-additives-food-dyes/)   SNACK STOP End of cherished school tradition as state bans classroom birthday cupcakes     (https://www.the-sun.com/news/16584829/screen-time-limit-los-angeles-school-district/)   HANG IT UP 'Screen time limit' law with 30 minute maximum coming to US city on August 1       The reading list contains nearly 200 mandatory readings for grades 1 through 12.  Theserange from classics such as Hickory Dickory Dock to Treasure Island and Hamlet.    Of these, 14 readings are biblical stories or passages, amounting to one biblical text for every 13 readings. The list does not include any religious texts of faiths other than Christianity and Judaism. 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