AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas legislature passed Senate Bill 11 on Thursday, a bill that allows for a daily period for prayer and Bible reading in Texas public schools. This legislation erases the line between church and state and threatens the constitutional rights of every student and teacher.
Following a third reading in the Texas House, the bill will be sent to the governor and then is expected to be signed into law.
The following quote can be attributed to Caro Achar (she/her), engagement coordinator for free speech at the ACLU of Texas:
“Promoting religious practice in public schools is a blatant violation of the First Amendment and an abuse of government power. S.B. 11 could lead to religious coercion or exclusion by pressuring students to participate in religious activities they may not believe in, just to avoid being left out or bullied. Texas public schools should be places where all students — regardless of faith or background — can learn, grow, and thrive.”
