Conroe ISD Rejects Daily Prayer Mandate

**Conroe ISD Board Rejects Daily District-Wide Prayer Time, Citing Existing Policy and Lack of Formal Request**

**CONROE, TX – February 21, 2024** – The Conroe Independent School District (CISD) Board of Trustees made a unanimous decision Tuesday night, voting 7-0 against implementing a district-wide daily dedicated time for prayer or reflection, opting instead to maintain its current policy. The vote came after a proposed motion by Trustee Dat Pham, which sought to allocate 60 seconds each school day for silent, individual prayer or reflection for students and staff.

The discussion at the February 20 board meeting centered on the implications of Texas House Bill 1025 (HB 1025), a new state law effective September 1, 2023. Sponsored by State Representative Matt Shaheen (R-Plano), HB 1025 permits individual or group prayer and meditation in public schools and mandates that districts set aside time for such activities *if requested* by a student or staff member.

Despite the new state law, the CISD board determined that proactively establishing a universal daily prayer time was unnecessary at this juncture. Their primary reasoning hinged on the district’s existing policy, FEA LOCAL, which already permits voluntary individual prayer and meditation throughout the school day, provided it does not disrupt instructional activities.

Crucially, board members highlighted that no specific student or staff member had formally requested a dedicated prayer time, which serves as the trigger point under HB 1025 for a district to be required to set aside such time.

Concerns about practicality and potential unintended consequences also played a significant role in the board’s decision. Trustee Misty Odenweller voiced apprehension about opening a “Pandora’s box” that could lead to a deluge of requests for various religious observances, potentially creating logistical challenges and conflicts within school environments.

Trustee Stacey Chase reinforced that the board’s existing policy was already in compliance with both state and federal laws. She noted that legal counsel had advised the board that HB 1025 was permissive – allowing for accommodations upon request – rather than mandatory without a direct appeal from a student or employee.

Board President Skeeter Hubert emphasized the district’s core mission. “Our main mission is education, not the facilitation of religious practice,” Hubert stated, a sentiment echoed by Trustee Scott Kidd, who added, “Our core mission is to educate children.” Both suggested that introducing a universal daily prayer time might detract from this educational focus.

While Trustee Pham’s original intent was to promote religious freedom and provide a moment of peace and reflection for students amidst their demanding school days, the board, following extensive deliberation at its meeting held at 3200 W. Davis St. in Conroe, ultimately felt the current policy framework was sufficient and legally sound without a proactive daily mandate.

**Background on School Prayer in Public Education:**

The issue of prayer in public schools is a long-standing and complex legal topic in the United States, balancing the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause (prohibiting government establishment of religion) and Free Exercise Clause (protecting individuals’ right to practice their religion).

Historic Supreme Court rulings, such as *Engel v. Vitale* (1962), banned state-sponsored prayer in public schools. However, subsequent rulings and interpretations have consistently affirmed the right of individual students to engage in private, voluntary prayer that does not disrupt the educational environment or coerce others. The recent *Kennedy v. Bremerton School District* (2022) decision further clarified that a public school employee’s personal, observable prayer is protected by the First Amendment, provided it is not coercive and occurs during non-instructional time.

HB 1025, codified as Section 25.9011 of the Texas Education Code, aims to affirm these individual rights at the state level. The text of the law can be found on the Texas Legislature Online website.

Conroe ISD, one of the largest school districts in Texas, serves a diverse population across Montgomery County. The district’s policy FEA LOCAL can be reviewed on the district’s website for further details on student religious accommodations.

For more information, visit the Conroe ISD website at www.conroeisd.net.