Is it legal for Texas public schools to conduct Christian prayers?
Well, yes – a resounding YES! – and no (not really, but it sometimes seems that way). First of all, let me say that I was born and raised in Texas, and since most of my relatives live there now, I’ll probably end up moving back (as a lifelong liberal democrat, the prospect is not terribly appealling). Texas is, quite possibly, the reddest red state of them all, and so is a state which pushes the envelope on this and other constitutional questions which are deemed to have been decided by “activists” judges. It sounds to me as if the school your kids are attending has pushed the envelope further than is reasonable, and I’ve no doubt that if you persue this question with the ACLU you’ll find that you’re not alone in questioning their practices. You didn’t say exactly where in Texas you reside, and that may play a role in how easily you can correct this – as usual, in larger cites (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin for example) there is more willingness to consider and address such q
Well, yes – a resounding YES! – and no (not really, but it sometimes seems that way). First of all, let me say that I was born and raised in Texas, and since most of my relatives live there now, I’ll probably end up moving back (as a lifelong liberal democrat, the prospect is not terribly appealling). Texas is, quite possibly, the reddest red state of them all, and so is a state which pushes the envelope on this and other constitutional questions which are deemed to have been decided by “activists” judges. It sounds to me as if the school your kids are attending has pushed the envelope further than is reasonable, and I’ve no doubt that if you persue this question with the ACLU you’ll find that you’re not alone in questioning their practices. You didn’t say exactly where in Texas you reside, and that may play a role in how easily you can correct this – as usual, in larger cites (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin for example) there is more willingness to consider and address such q
The general rule nationwide is that schools cannot officially organize or require anything religious. Now that’s a somewhat stretchable concept. It might squeak by if someone, not a teacher or school administrator, before an official meeting, somewhat off to the side “suggests” people pray along with them. I’m sure in some cases that’s been stretched to having a teacher or administrator, in the course of a metting, has offered a prayer. In theory you could appeal to the school board but it’s likely they will not act strongly to follow federal guidelines, unless you take it to court, which you’re probably entitled to.
