GISD adopts prayer policy under new state law

GAINESVILLE, Texas — Gainesville Independent School District trustees have adopted new policies allowing students to use designated time for prayer and religious study during the school day, voting ahead of a statewide March 1 deadline for all Texas public school boards. The policies are tied to Senate Bill 11, which allows school districts to set aside time for voluntary student prayer and religious activity. The bill also moves potential lawsuit liability from local districts to the state when students exercise these rights. Superintendent DesMontès Stewart said the policy formalizes what students are already doing on their own. "Some of our kids do it anyway. I've seen kids read Bibles at lunch," Stewart said, adding that if the district declined to provide the time, students would find the moments themselves. Under the approved policies, students may use the designated periods to read the Bible, Quran, or other religious texts. Eligible times include before school, after school, between classes, at lunch, or during other non-instructional periods. Prayer sessions cannot replace instructional time and may not use school public address systems. Participation is entirely voluntary. Parents must provide signed consent for their child to take part in the designated periods. Every public school board in Texas faced a March 1 deadline to vote either for or against implementing the policy under SB 11. GISD's board chose to adopt it. Parents with questions about how the policy will be implemented at a specific campus can contact their school's principal or call the GISD district office at (940) 665-4362.