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Stop Violating the First Amendment—Keep Religion Out of Texas Public Schools

To: Lt. Gov. Patrick, Sen. Schwertner, Gov. Abbott, Rep. Harris Davila

From: A constituent in Leander, TX

July 13

You swore an oath to defend the Constitution of the United States—not to promote one religion through our public schools. It is time you honored that oath. Any requirement that public schools read or promote the Christian Bible as religious instruction is a direct assault on the First Amendment. Government does not get to choose a favored religion, and public schools are not Sunday school. Texas is home to millions of people with different beliefs. Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs, atheists, agnostics, and many others all pay taxes that support our public schools. Their children have the same constitutional rights as everyone else. No child should be pressured to participate in government-sponsored religious instruction simply because elected officials prefer one faith over all others. If parents want a religious education for their children, they have every right to choose a private religious school or provide that instruction through their own faith community. They do not have the right to use the power of the state to impose their religious beliefs on every Texas family. Our public schools should be focused on educating students—not indoctrinating them. Texas ranks behind much of the nation in educational outcomes, yet instead of investing in teachers, classrooms, and academic achievement, you continue pursuing unconstitutional culture-war agendas that divide communities and invite costly legal challenges. Stop using public schools to advance a religious agenda. Follow the Constitution. Respect the First Amendment. Protect the religious liberty of every Texas student—not just those who share your beliefs. The Constitution is your oath. Start acting like it.

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