The Canyon Independent School District Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a policy establishing a designated time for voluntary prayer and religious reading across all district campuses, following new requirements set by the Texas Legislature.
The decision, finalized during a February 9, 2026 board meeting, comes ahead of a March 1 statewide deadline requiring public school districts to determine whether they will implement such a period during the school day. The requirement stems from legislation signed into law in June 2025 by Greg Abbott, mandating that districts formally vote on whether to allow voluntary religious expression in schools.
Under the newly approved policy, students and staff in Canyon ISD may participate in prayer or the reading of religious texts during a specified time. District officials emphasized that participation is strictly voluntary and contingent upon written parental consent for students, as required by state law. Employees must also opt in if they wish to take part.
According to the policy guidelines, the designated sessions must be conducted in a manner that does not disrupt instructional time. Additionally, participation must occur in spaces that are out of sight and earshot of non-participating students. The use of loudspeakers or other broadcast methods for prayer or religious reading is not permitted.
District leaders noted that Canyon ISD has maintained a similar voluntary practice since September 2025. The newly adopted policy formalizes that approach and ensures compliance with state requirements for the 2025–2026 school year.
The legislation does not compel districts to implement such a period but instead requires them to publicly decide whether to adopt or decline the option. As a result, responses have varied across the region. While Canyon ISD voted unanimously to approve the policy, the Amarillo Independent School District chose a different path, with its board voting unanimously against implementation.
State guidelines stipulate that any designated time for prayer or religious reading must remain optional and must not interfere with core academic instruction. Schools are also required to maintain clear procedures for obtaining and documenting parental consent.
Supporters of the measure have framed it as a way to accommodate voluntary religious expression within existing legal boundaries, while critics in some districts have raised questions about implementation logistics and inclusivity.
With the vote now complete, Canyon ISD joins other districts across Texas that have moved forward with policies aligned to the new law. The district’s implementation will take effect during the current school year, following the framework outlined by state legislation.
