Abbott Orders DPS to Protect Churches, But What About Texas Schools?

Governor Greg Abbott is directing the Texas Department Of Public Safety to ramp up security near "religious spaces".

Abbott is calling on the Texas Department of Public Safety to boost security at faith-based sites. In his words, these spaces are “sacred” and require all necessary resources to safeguard them. On the surface, this sounds reasonable. But it raises a critical question: why should houses of worship get priority over other places where people are equally — if not more — vulnerable?

What About Schools?

You know what else is sacred? Schools. Children are required by law to attend them. Unlike religious services, schools are not optional, and yet campuses across Texas struggle to afford even a single resource officer. If budgets are truly “for the whole week,” then shouldn’t security for kids take precedence? Protecting schools is not just symbolic — it’s essential.

Everyday Safety Is Sacred Too

Safety doesn’t stop at the church or school doors. Shoppers at Walmart in El Paso were victims of one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history. People have no choice but to shop for groceries, diapers, and other essentials. Will police presence be pulled from these public spaces so resources can be redirected toward churches that often already employ private security?

Political Theater or Policy?

It’s fair to wonder whether this move is less about security and more about political theater. Churches can and do allow open carry. Many already budget for additional protection. Meanwhile, schools remain cash-poor, struggling for the most basic safety resources. If you care about children, you should be deeply offended by the governor’s priorities.

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