Texas Politics

Texas Senate Seeks to Bring Religion Back to Public Schools

The Texas Senate has approved two bills that would allow religious activities in public schools, with both measures following recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings. Senate Bill 11, introduced by Senator Mayes Middleton (R), and Senate Bill 10, introduced by Senator Phil King (R), seek to increase religious expression within public schools by permitting voluntary prayer and the display of the Ten Commandments.

SB 11 would allow students and faculty to engage in prayer or study religious texts, such as the Bible, during school hours, provided they give explicit consent. The bill states that these activities take place outside of instructional time and ensures that no one would be required to participate.

“We are a nation and a state built on ‘In God We Trust,’” Middleton said, emphasizing the bill's alignment with the state’s values.

SB 10 requires the posting of the Ten Commandments in every public-school classroom. Senator King argued that the Ten Commandments are foundational to U.S. law and culture, stating, “Few documents have had a larger impact on our moral code and our legal code.” SB 10 has received tentative approval, with a final vote scheduled for Wednesday.

These bills come after the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, which involved a coach’s right to pray after football games. The Court ruled in favor of the coach, ending the "Lemon test" and focusing instead on whether religious activities are coercive. The ruling has opened the door for legislation like SB 10 and SB 11, allowing for non-coercive religious expression in schools.

Both bills have sparked debate, with critics raising concerns about potential coercion and conflicts with the First Amendment. However, supporters argue that the bills are in line with the changing interpretation of religious freedom in the U.S. educational system. With SB 10 set for a final vote in the Texas Senate, these bills are now on their way to the House for further consideration.

Raeylee Barefield

Raeylee Barefield is a student at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a degree in Government. She enjoys reading, writing, and cooking in her spare time.

Recent Posts

Texas Lawmakers Hear Local Testimony After Devastating July 4 Floods

In the wake of one of the deadliest natural disasters in Texas history, state lawmakers…

2 days ago

LONESTAR — 8.1.2025 — Texas Senate Passes Bill Banning THC — Texas Mobilizes Emergency Response for Texas Panhandle — and More...

This week, the Texas Senate approved Senate Bill 5 (SB 5), a controversial bill that…

2 days ago

Texas Senate Passes SB 5 Banning THC

This week, the Texas Senate approved Senate Bill 5 (SB 5), a controversial bill that…

3 days ago

Texas Mobilizes Emergency Response Ahead of Panhandle Flood Threat

Governor Greg Abbott (R) has ordered the activation of emergency response resources as heavy rainfall…

3 days ago

LONESTAR — 7.31.2025 — Abbott Announces Disaster Unemployment Assistance — New Texas Map Adds Five GOP Seats — and More...

This week, Governor Greg Abbott (R) announced that the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is now…

3 days ago

Texas Leads U.S. in Veterans Using VA Education Benefits

Texas students are preparing to head back to school, and tens of thousands of veterans…

3 days ago