An Alabama lawmaker has pre-filed a constitutional amendment that would require school boards to vote on allowing prayer and religious text readings, as well as whether to hold daily recitations of the Pledge of Allegiance. Schools that fail to comply could lose up to 25% of state funding.
HB 43, sponsored by Rep. Reed Ingram (R-Pike Road), will go before voters in a statewide election if it passes the Legislature in 2026. Ingram said the measure is designed to “give students the option” to practice their faith in schools. Students would need signed parental consent forms to participate, and those who opt in would be sent to separate classrooms.
Civil liberties groups strongly oppose the measure. The ACLU of Alabama argued the bill violates the First Amendment, saying students cannot be compelled or pressured to engage in religious activity. Americans United for Separation of Church and State called the proposal an attempt to advance “Christian Nationalists’ agenda.”
Ingram insisted participation in both prayer and the pledge would remain voluntary, but acknowledged schools could lose funds if they refuse to act. Opponents counter that tying funding to religious practices creates a coercive environment.
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