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Texas District Approves Daily Prayer Amid Controversy

2/21/2026

Center

Magnolia Schools Approve Prayer

Magnolia Independent School District in Texas became the first Houston-area district to approve a daily prayer period under Senate Bill 11, with unanimous approval on February 9.
Experts warn the bill's requirements may complicate implementation because they require student consent and cannot occur during instructional time.
Texas districts have until March 1 to decide whether to adopt the policy.
The law has faced pushback.
Many districts have not implemented it.

Left

Judge Blocks Texas Law

A federal judge in Texas temporarily blocked a law signed by Gov. Greg Abbott that bans student clubs based on gender identity.
The ruling applies to Houston, Katy, and Plano school districts.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing Dr. Jason Jarin for misreporting patients' genders and improper billing for gender-affirming care for trans youth.
Paxton contends the treatment is harmful and illegal, while major medical associations support gender-affirming care.

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Magnolia Schools Approve Prayer

Magnolia Independent School District in Texas became the first Houston-area district to approve a daily prayer period under Senate Bill 11, with unanimous approval on February 9.
Experts warn the bill's requirements may complicate implementation because they require student consent and cannot occur during instructional time.
Texas districts have until March 1 to decide whether to adopt the policy.
The law has faced pushback.
Many districts have not implemented it.

1 / 2