The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas is urging public school districts to reject participation in a new state-approved period for prayer under Senate Bill 11, as districts face a March 1 deadline to decide whether to opt in.
The measure allows Texas public school districts to establish a designated time for prayer on campus if approved by a vote of the local school board. State Rep. David Spiller sponsored the bill in the Texas House.
The ACLU of Texas said the policy could marginalize students who practice different religions or do not observe a religion. Caro Achar, a representative of the organization, said the proposed prayer period would be exclusionary and could create pressure on students who choose not to participate.
Under the law, districts that opt in would require parental permission for students to take part through a signed consent form.
School districts across the state are expected to consider the issue in board meetings ahead of the deadline.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube