File Public Comments in Texas
Reject the Proposed Reading List
The Texas Education Agency put together a required reading list of over 200 texts for your child that include biblical narratives picked solely by them. Nobody asked you. Nobody asked your pastor. Nobody asked your child’s teacher.
Join our statewide multifaith coalition by telling the SBOE to reject the TEA’s proposed reading list. You can take action by submitting a public comment voicing your concern over the reading list. Instructions are below with a template comment. The public comment window is open until Monday, June 15, at 5 p.m. CT.
What is happening?
Here is how our partners at the Religious Action Center describe it: In 2023, the Texas Legislature passed HB 1605, which requires the SBOE to provide a list of mandatory readings for each grade level in public schools. The Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) proposed list of literary works was presented in the SBOE’s January 2026 meeting. The list included 12 passages from the Protestant Christian Bible and one from a Jewish translation.
After several deliberations and alternative lists, the SBOE preliminary approved a third list presented by Member Kevin Ellis at its April meeting.
Why is this a problem?
The list strips away local control of education. Communities know best as to what their students should learn and teachers should have the autonomy to teach what they believe is most helpful for their classes.
Every biblical text uses a Protestant Christian translation (except one outdated Jewish translation). Not one reflects another faith tradition. This is a public school serving children of every faith and no faith. That is not a reading list. That is a Sunday school curriculum.
Plus, the translation choices are not appropriate for grade levels.
There is a difference between teaching about religion and teaching religion. Students should have an understanding of the society they’re growing up in, which includes the religious diversity of our state and nation. However, when the state is making nearly all religious readings come from the Protestant Christian Bible (except for one outdated Jewish translation), it is an endorsement of one religion at the expense of others. Teaching faith belongs to families, not the state. If religion is required reading, it should showcase the vast religious landscape of our society.
File Your Public Comments in Three Steps
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Step 1: Draft your comment
Write why you are concerned about a reading list. If you are a person of faith, sharing from that perspective is often a helpful frame.
Keep it short, but be specific. We have some resources to help you get started.
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Step 2: Submit Your Comment
You will submit your comment on the special SBOE page, along with your name, your title (if applicable), and your email address.
Under “Commenting on Behalf of,” put “self” if you are submitting your own comment. (Otherwise, enter the name of which person or which organization you are commenting on behalf of.)
You’ll see a list of “roles,” such as Texas parent, Texas community member, etc. Select the role that best fits you.
Under “Select one proposed SBOE rule action,” select the first option — it starts with “Proposed New 19 TAC Chapter 110.”
Type or paste your comment in the box, and then submit it!
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Step 3: Let us Know How it Went!
After you submit your comment, you’ll get a confirmation email. We’d love for you to send that to us and share how the process went for you. Forward it to BJC Policy Counsel David Segal at [email protected].
Want to do more? You can also contact your state lawmaker to let that person know your concern.
Congratulations! You did your part to protect religious freedom!
Learn More About Our Texas Work
This is one part of our work defending faith freedom for all children in Texas public schools.
