Board Cites Student Rights in Unanimous Rejection
Denton Independent School District has voted unanimously to reject Senate Bill 11 (SB 11), a new Texas law that allows districts to set aside time during the school day for student prayer and religious study. The board determined the proposed policy was unnecessary because students already have the right to pray and express their faith voluntarily under current state and federal law. Trustees emphasized that adopting the policy could restrict rather than expand those freedoms.
Legal Concerns Drive Decision Against SB 11
During the Dec. 9 meeting, legal counsel Deron Robinson warned that SB 11’s detailed guidelines could create more barriers for religious expression. He noted that students would be allowed to pray or study religious texts only during narrowly defined periods and only with signed parental consent. Robinson added that enforcing such limits could violate constitutional protections. “If a student prays outside the designated time and the district intervenes, it could trigger legal challenges,” he said.
Supporters Call It Freedom-Limiting, Not Faith-Opposing
Some SB 11 supporters argue that the law helps promote religious expression in schools. But critics—including Denton ISD and Lytle ISD—believe the policy could suppress students’ ability to engage in faith-based activities organically throughout the day. Lytle ISD’s board stated that declining the law reflects a commitment to student autonomy, not opposition to prayer. “We’re for individual freedom,” the district said in October.
SB 11 and Broader Religious Legislation Efforts
SB 11 is part of a broader push by Texas lawmakers to increase religious content in public education. Another measure, Senate Bill 10, requires schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. However, federal courts have blocked enforcement of SB 10 in several districts, highlighting ongoing legal battles over these initiatives. Both bills are seen by critics as controversial attempts to merge religion and public education, despite constitutional limitations.
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