Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has publicly called on schools across the state to reintroduce time for Bible reading and prayer into the daily routine.

Fox News reported that speaking on September 2, 2025, Paxton backed recent legislation that permits school districts to implement voluntary religious activities, framing the move as a necessary response to what he views as escalating attacks on spiritual values in education.

During a public statement, Paxton said he wants classrooms in Texas to display the Ten Commandments, allow prayer, and encourage Bible reading. He framed these efforts as vital to preserving the nation's spiritual and moral roots.

He warned that religious freedoms are being threatened and declared he would not remain passive, as he believes fundamental American values are being erased. According to Paxton, this is not just about education policy but about defending the very foundation of the country.

"We want the Word of God opened, the Ten Commandments displayed, and prayers lifted up in Texas classrooms," Paxton said. "I will not stand by while the values that have always guided us are stripped away."

Religious Policies Tied to Senate Bill 11

Paxton’s appeal coincides with the recent enactment of Senate Bill 11, passed by the Texas Legislature. The bill enables local school boards to establish policies that set aside time for students to engage in personal prayer or readings from the Bible and other religious texts.

Under the law, every independent school district in Texas must vote before March 1, 2026, on whether it will adopt such a policy. Participation by students will only be allowed if parents provide written consent.

Backing the bill in a press release, Paxton’s office stated that the legislation offers schools a clear and lawful path to reintroduce organized religious activities, provided they remain voluntary and parent-approved.

Criticism of Opposition and Broader Cultural Concerns

Paxton did not hold back in characterizing those who oppose the return of school prayer. He described critics of the policy as “twisted, radical liberals” whose goal, he claimed, is to chip away at the moral structure of society and distort historical truths.

"Our nation was founded on the rock of biblical truth," Paxton said. He added that efforts to challenge policies like SB11 reflect a broader agenda to push the country "into the sinking sand."

The attorney general also linked the perceived decline of religious influence in schools to larger national trends, warning that neglecting spirituality in public life could yield long-term cultural and social consequences.

Legal Backing and Rising Religious Expression Debates

Kim Hermann, president of the Southeastern Legal Foundation, lent support to Paxton’s announcement. She argued that religious expression has been unfairly suppressed in public schools, leaving students unsure about their rights.

"Kids today are terrified to pray in school, or even say the word ‘Bible,’" Hermann stated. She said this feedback is frequently brought to her organization by both students and families.

Hermann further criticized the policies of the Biden administration, claiming there has been ongoing targeting of faith-based organizations, including a federal investigation into the Catholic Church. She labeled such actions a "true violation of church and state."

National Influence and Endorsement from Trump

Paxton’s stance comes amidst a broader conservative effort to reinstate religious practices in public education. On the same day as Paxton’s statement, former President Donald Trump addressed similar themes during a speech at the Museum of the Bible.

Trump announced that the U.S. Department of Education would soon issue updated guidelines to protect students’ rights to pray in public schools. He expressed support for measures that preserve what he called essential freedoms related to faith in educational settings.

While civil liberties organizations such as the ACLU of Texas were contacted for comment by national media, no formal response had been released by the time of reporting.