Midland ISD Considers Adding Prayer and Bible Study in Schools

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The Midland Independent School District board of trustees will consider whether to implement a new state law that allows public schools to require a period of voluntary prayer and Bible reading on campuses. The district administration is recommending the board not adopt the new policy, citing existing policies that already provide avenues for student religious expression.

Why it matters

This decision by the Midland ISD board could set a precedent for how other Texas school districts respond to the new state law, which was passed during the 89th legislative session. The debate highlights ongoing tensions around the role of religion in public education.

The details

The new state law requires school districts to pass a formal resolution and use specific wording to implement the policy of allowing voluntary prayer and Bible reading on campuses. Participation would have to be voluntary, with signed consent forms, and the activities could not occur during instructional time or over the public address system. However, the Midland ISD administration is recommending the board not adopt this new policy, citing the district's existing policies that already provide avenues for student religious expression, such as allowing students to include religious content in their academic work and permitting student religious groups and activities before, during, and after school.

• The Midland ISD board of trustees will consider the policy at its next monthly meeting.
• The new state law allowing for voluntary school prayer and Bible reading was passed during the 89th legislative session last year.

What’s next

The Midland ISD board of trustees will decide whether to adopt the new state law allowing for voluntary school prayer and Bible reading at its next monthly meeting.