TEXAS — A bill granting teachers the right to pray while working in Texas schools has passed the Senate.

Republican Sen. Tan Parker’s Senate Bill 965 was created in reaction to the Supreme Court’s ruling on a Washington high school football coach’s post-game prayer.

While proponents claim the bill only clarifies existing law regarding teacher rights, opponents fear it could force students to participate in prayer.

This legislation adds to a pending House bill that would make displaying the Ten Commandments in all public schools mandatory.

SB 965 now awaits House consideration. 

In June 2022, the Supreme Court ruled that a Washington high school football coach could legally pray on the field post-game.

A Supreme Court ruling sided with Joe Kennedy, a former Seattle-area high school football coach, upholding his right to pray on the field. The court maintained that the First Amendment’s Free Exercise and Free Speech Clauses shielded his actions.