Christoval ISD Approves Prayer, Religious Reading Period

CHRISTOVAL, TX — Christoval Independent School District trustees voted unanimously Wednesday to approve a period for prayer or religious text reading in accordance with a new state law.

The resolution comes after Senate Bill 11, signed by Gov. Greg Abbott in June, directed school boards across Texas to take a public vote on the issue. The law, backed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, authorizes districts to adopt policies allowing a daily period for students and employees to read the Bible or other religious texts.

Participation must be voluntary, and state law requires a consent form signed by a parent, guardian, or employee. The form also waives the right to bring legal claims related to the policy, and participants may withdraw at any time.

The measure takes effect Sept. 1, and districts have six months to decide whether to adopt it. Christoval ISD’s approval places it among the first districts in the state to move forward under the new law.