Two new elective courses will be offered in Cy-Fair ISD high schools in the 2025-26 school year, according to a July 31 Facebook post:
  • Literature and the Bible
  • Western Civilization and the Bible
Zooming out

While these classes are new to CFISD, the Texas Education Code has permitted elective courses on the Bible’s “impact on the history and literature of Western civilization” since the 2009-10 school year.

Per state law, the purpose of such courses is to:
  • Teach students about biblical content, characters, poetry and narratives to help them understand modern society and culture
  • Explore the contents, history and literary style of the Old Testament and/or New Testament as well as the Bible’s influence on law, history, government, literature, art, music, customs, morals, values and culture
Other provisions in Section 28.011 of the Texas Education Code include:
  • Classes must follow relevant state and federal guidelines, including “maintaining religious neutrality and accommodating the diverse religious views, traditions and perspectives of students in their school district.”
  • Teachers must be certified in language arts, social studies or history with a minor in religion or biblical studies “where practical.”
  • School districts are not required to offer the classes at campuses where fewer than 15 students register.
  • Local school boards can choose to offer elective courses focused on religious texts outside of the Christian faith based on factors including the historical and cultural impacts of those texts as well as student and parent demand.
What parents need to know

“The Bible and its Influence” by Cullen Schippe and Chuck Stetson is the recommended textbook for these courses.

Parents can review this textbook Aug. 5-6 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at the Mark Henry Administration Building, located at 11440 Matzke Road, Cypress.