Full Breakdown
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Advocates for School Prayer Law Implementation
9/4/2025, 1:14:26 AM
Overview of Senate Bill 11
On September 1, 2025, Texas enacted Senate Bill 11, allowing public schools to set aside time for voluntary prayer and the reading of religious texts. This law mandates that each school district's board of trustees must vote on whether to adopt such a policy within six months. Participation in these prayer periods requires parental consent. Attorney General Ken Paxton has publicly encouraged schools to implement this law, emphasizing the inclusion of the Lord's Prayer in classrooms.
Paxton's Advocacy and Statements
Ken Paxton has been vocal in his support for the new law, stating, “In Texas classrooms, we want the Word of God opened, the Ten Commandments displayed, and prayers lifted up.” He criticized what he termed “twisted, radical liberals” for attempting to undermine the moral fabric of society, asserting that the nation was founded on Biblical principles. Paxton's office is tasked with defending any school district that adopts the prayer policy against potential legal challenges and is empowered to recommend best practices for implementation.
Legislative Context and Related Measures
Senate Bill 11 is part of a broader initiative by Texas Republicans to enhance religious expression in public schools. Earlier in 2025, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 10, which requires the display of the Ten Commandments in every classroom. This measure has faced legal challenges and is currently blocked in several districts. Paxton has indicated his intention to appeal the ruling against this law.
Criticism and Opposition
The new laws have drawn significant criticism from various groups. Sarah Corning, an attorney with the ACLU of Texas, argued that these measures amount to state-sponsored Christianity and undermine constitutional protections. Rachel Laser, president of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, stated that the laws impose a singular religious viewpoint on all students. Critics, including some Republican lawmakers, have expressed concerns about the implications of promoting specific religious practices in public schools.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Paxton's office promotes the implementation of these laws, there is ongoing legal uncertainty regarding their constitutionality. A federal judge recently struck down a related law requiring the Ten Commandments' display, raising questions about the enforceability of Senate Bill 11. The potential for further legal challenges remains a significant concern for school districts considering adoption of the prayer policy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “In Texas classrooms, we want the Word of God opened, the Ten Commandments displayed, and prayers lifted up.” — Ken Paxton, Texas Attorney General
- “Texas students go to school to learn, not to be evangelized,” — Sarah Corning, ACLU of Texas
- “Our schools are not God-free zones.” — State Sen. Mayes Middleton
Conclusion
The implementation of Senate Bill 11 marks a significant shift in Texas public education, reflecting a growing trend among Republican leaders to integrate religious practices into school environments. As schools navigate the legal landscape surrounding these new policies, the debate over church-state separation in education is likely to intensify.
