Legislation passed earlier this year recognizes the right to pray and read the Bible in government school classrooms. The law took effect on September 1.
Following Senate Bill 11’s enactment, Attorney General Ken Paxton released a statement encouraging school districts to take immediate action and dedicate time for prayer and scripture reading.
SB 11, authored by State Sen. Mayes Middleton (R–Galveston), requires all school boards to take a record vote on adopting a policy to set aside time for prayer and reading the Bible or other religious texts at school.
“In Texas classrooms, we want the Word of God opened, the Ten Commandments displayed, and prayers lifted up,” said Paxton. “Twisted, radical liberals want to erase Truth, dismantle the solid foundation that America’s success and strength were built upon, and erode the moral fabric of our society.”
“Our nation was founded on the rock of Biblical Truth, and I will not stand by while the far-left attempts to push our country into the sinking sand,” he added.
Paxton encouraged students to start with the Lord’s Prayer when considering how to use the allotted time wisely.
According to the text of the legislation, the attorney general is tasked with defending school districts or charter schools if they adopt the practice and face legal challenges.
The attorney general is also to provide recommendations on best practices for implementation.
Parental consent will be required for student involvement, and the time set aside for prayer and scripture reading will not conflict with or replace any instructional time.
Another similar measure, Senate Bill 965 authored by State Sen. Tan Parker (R–Flower Mound), also took effect on September 1. It amends the Texas education code to ensure all employees of public and charter schools have the right to engage in religious speech or prayer at work.
Both bills were signed by Gov. Greg Abbott on June 20.
