The Texas State Board of Education, currently controlled by a 10-5 Republican majority, is scheduled to meet on Tuesday to consider changes affecting grade-by-grade reading requirements for millions of students.

A draft from the Texas Education Agency lists widely taught works such as The Very Hungry Caterpillar for kindergarten, A Wrinkle in Time for seventh grade, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s I Have a Dream speech for eighth grade. The draft also incorporates Bible passages for middle and high school students, including the story of David and Goliath and a passage on love from 1 Corinthians. Another proposal would scale back the number of required books and introduce Bible readings in elementary school.

Democratic board members criticized the plan for lacking diversity. “There is a mass lack of representation,” said Marisa Perez-Diaz, representing San Antonio and parts of South Texas. She noted that Hispanic and Black students make up the majority of Texas’ public-school population.

Proposed social studies revisions would follow a chronological approach focusing on U.S. and Texas history. Critics, including some historians and advocacy groups, argue the plan emphasizes American exceptionalism and Christianity while reducing coverage of global history. Brendan Gillis of the American Historical Association said, “Do we want the next generation of Texas students competing in a global economy never having really learned very much about China?”

Supporters argue the changes would restore a traditional approach to education based on Western civilization. Mandy Drogin, senior fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, told The New York Times, “To not know the story of the Good Samaritan, for example, you’re really going to miss not just important lessons, but rich cultural and historical significance as an American.”

The proposal aligns with broader Republican efforts, including those by President Donald Trump, to emphasize Christianity’s role in America’s founding and strengthen civics education. The administration has directed over $150 million toward history and civics programs ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4.

The board is expected to take a preliminary vote later this week, with a final decision anticipated in June. Any approved changes would not take effect until 2030.