EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into several school districts across the state, including El Paso ISD, seeking records tied to two new laws requiring Ten Commandments displays in classrooms and a school board vote on whether to set aside time for prayer and reading religious texts.<\/p>\n
Paxton\u2019s office said the investigation focuses on Senate Bill 10 and Senate Bill 11, both of which took effect Sept. 1, 2025. SB 10 requires public schools to display copies of the Ten Commandments in classrooms. SB 11 required school boards to vote by March 1 on whether to create a designated time for prayer and reading the Bible or other religious texts.<\/p>\n
Paxton\u2019s office said<\/a> districts named in the investigation must provide documents showing their displays \u2014 or their lack of displays \u2014 of the Ten Commandments. Districts also must provide proof of their board vote related to the prayer law.<\/p>\n Jordan Salas reports on EPISD named in investigation over Ten Commandments displays (Credit: KFOX14)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n RECOMMENDED: Paxton investigating Texas schools to ensure posting of Ten Commandments<\/a><\/p>\n In February, El Paso ISD\u2019s board took up a resolution on SB 11, but the item failed.<\/p>\n KFOX14\/CBS4 contacted El Paso ISD about the state\u2019s investigation and whether the district is in compliance.<\/p>\n In a statement, a district spokesperson said: \u201cEl Paso ISD remains committed to adhering to all state laws and guidelines set forth by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). Our primary focus remains on providing a high-quality, supportive learning environment for all students.\u201d<\/p>\n The investigation and the laws themselves have drawn mixed reactions from community members. One person said, \u201cI think it\u2019s a good idea.\u201d Another disagreed, saying, \u201cHonestly, I think it\u2019s a bit ridiculous.\u201d<\/p>\n Others said public schools should avoid favoring any religion. \u201cI feel like there\u2019s only really two ways to go about it. It\u2019s either you include all the other religions, or you don\u2019t include any religion at all,\u201d one person said.<\/p>\n Another person said districts should comply with state requirements. \u201cI think we need to follow the law,\u201d the person said.<\/p>\n