Brenham ISD board adopts resolution on SB11, declines to adopt a new structured prayer period

Trustees discussed and then adopted a resolution addressing Senate Bill 11 (Texas Education Code §25.0823) during the Feb. 17 meeting. The resolution affirms the district’s commitment to First Amendment protections and states the board’s decision to continue operating under existing law rather than adopt additional statutory language creating a structured, board‑designated prayer period.

Board members debated operational implications. One trustee said the district’s current voluntary practices—such as student‑led FCA and chaplain language—already protect students’ freedom of religion and that imposing a structured period could be unnecessary. Another trustee urged caution, noting that different faith traditions have varied obligations and rituals that a rigid, prescribed period might not accommodate. “Maybe someone comes from a faith tradition where that's all they know…we have to think about that, logistically,” a trustee said.

Chair read the resolution aloud; the board moved to approve it and the motion passed by voice vote. The adopted resolution states that the district will continue to provide the pledge and a period of silence and that it reaffirms rights protected by the U.S. and Texas constitutions.