BROWNSVILLE (AP) – A push to delay the start of in-person classes in one South Texas county could face a legal challenge based on religious freedom.
Officials in Cameron County, which has been a COVID-19 hot spot in recent months, delayed in-person classes at public and private schools until after September 28th.
According to the Brownsville Herald, Laguna Madre Christian Academy in Laguna Vista and Calvary Christian School of Excellence in Harlingen have told the county the order is unlawful and goes against Governor Greg Abbott’s executive order.
The schools had planned to open August 31st and September 8th respectively.
Abbott said Texas counties don’t have the authority to shut down campuses to stop COVID-19 spread. Instead, he stated local school boards and state educatin officials have that power.
County officials said their order is not a religious issue but an effort to keep the health and safety of children in mind.
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