The Texas Senate has passed Senate Bill 2617, a measure requiring all public schools and open-enrollment charter schools in the state to use the terms "Before Christ" (B.C.) and "Anno Domini" (A.D.) when referencing historical dates in instructional materials and classroom teaching.
The bill, approved by a 22–9 vote, prohibits the use of the more secular "Before Common Era" (B.C.E.) and "Common Era" (C.E.) designations, which have gained popularity in academic circles for their religious neutrality.
Proponents of the legislation argue that it preserves traditional historical terminology and provides consistency in education.
Senator Brandon Creighton, the bill's author and chair of the Senate Education Committee, stated, "By putting this into law, the Senate bill protects Texas' longstanding approach to teaching history clearly, consistently, without political distortion — giving parents, teachers, and students confidence in a consistent foundation for learning".
However, critics contend that the bill imposes a specific religious perspective on public education, potentially infringing upon the separation of church and state.
They argue that mandating B.C./A.D. terminology may alienate students of diverse religious backgrounds and those who prefer secular references in academic settings.
The bill now moves to the Texas House of Representatives for consideration. If enacted, the policy would take effect in the 2026–2027 academic year, requiring school districts to adopt the specified date nomenclature in all instructional materials and classroom instruction.
This legislative move is part of a broader trend in Texas to incorporate more religious elements into public education. Earlier this month, the Senate advanced bills mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms and allowing time for prayer in schools.
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