New Bill Defends Teachers’ Freedom To Pray
A U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2022 affirmed the right of a high school football coach to pray on the field after games, and this decision could influence Texas legislation aimed at protecting religious expression by school employees. The Texas State Senate Committee on State Affairs recently heard testimony about SB 965, a bill introduced by State Sen. Tan Parker. This bill is designed to safeguard the right of employees in school districts and charter schools to engage in religious speech or prayer while on duty. Under the proposed bill, any limitation on these rights would have to be justified by a compelling state interest and implemented in the least restrictive way possible.
The bill draws inspiration from the Kennedy v. Bremerton School District case, where the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Coach Joe Kennedy, who had been fired for praying after football games. In presenting SB 965, Parker explained that it would codify the rights of school employees to express their religious beliefs, ensuring any interference would undergo strict scrutiny. Parker emphasized that the legislation would protect individuals’ rights while still ensuring that religious expression is not imposed on others.
Donald Gardner, executive director of the Texas Faith & Freedom Coalition, spoke in support of the bill, stressing the historical importance of religious freedom in the United States. He argued that the bill aligns with the intentions of the nation’s founders, who rejected state-mandated religion and sought to protect the individual right to religious expression. Gardner also clarified that the bill is not about compelling religious practices but ensuring the freedom to engage in them.
SB 965 is still under review in the committee following Monday’s testimony. Additionally, another bill, SB 11, was introduced by State Sen. Mayes Middleton. This bill would require public school districts and charter schools to implement a period of prayer and Bible reading on each campus. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has identified SB 11 as a key priority for the upcoming 2025 legislative session, signaling strong support for further legislation in this area.