Paxton Forces Texas Agencies to Back Down on Religious Bias

AUSTIN, TX – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton isn’t just targeting immigrants and election officials these days. He’s now flexing his legal muscle against state agencies accused of quietly enacting policies that discriminated against religious organizations and individuals. After filing lawsuits in November 2025, Paxton secured commitments from both the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) to cease what he claims were unconstitutional practices.

The legal battles began when Paxton took aim at the TDHCA, alleging the agency’s rules effectively barred Christian and other religious groups from accessing crucial federal and state funding earmarked for programs assisting homeless and low-income Texans. The suit argued the rules violated the First Amendment, unfairly penalizing faith-based organizations. Simultaneously, Paxton targeted the THECB, claiming three university work-study programs across Texas discriminated against religious students and employers. These programs, according to the lawsuit, unconstitutionally favored secular organizations over those with religious affiliations.

The pressure worked. Both agencies swiftly affirmed they would not enforce rules that discriminate based on religion. They provided lists of Christian organizations currently benefiting from their programs, and explicitly stated that religious groups are eligible to participate, fully compliant with both the First Amendment and Texas law. The THECB went a step further, announcing it would initiate administrative rulemaking to solidify these protections into official policy. This means a formal review and rewrite of existing rules to ensure religious liberty isn’t infringed upon.

“Constitutionally protected religious liberty must be upheld in Texas and across the country,” Paxton stated in a press release. “State agencies cannot sideline faith-based organizations or discriminate against religious Texans.” The statement, typical of Paxton’s combative style, frames the victories as a defense of fundamental rights, rather than a response to alleged wrongdoing. It’s a familiar narrative for the AG, who has built a career on portraying himself as a staunch conservative defender of Texas values.

While these cases have reached resolution through these confirmations, Paxton’s office isn’t declaring complete victory. The Office of the Attorney General is actively encouraging any Texan who believes they’ve been targeted with religious discrimination to come forward. They’ve made it clear they’re prepared to file further legal action against any entity found to be discriminating based on religious beliefs. This sets a clear warning: Paxton is watching, and he’s ready to fight.

The implications of these lawsuits extend beyond the immediate cases. They signal a broader effort by Paxton to scrutinize state agencies for perceived ideological bias, and to aggressively enforce what he views as the constitutional rights of religious Texans. Critics argue this is simply another example of Paxton using his office to advance a political agenda, but supporters hail it as a necessary defense of religious freedom. Regardless, it’s a clear indication that Paxton will continue to be a force to be reckoned with in Texas legal battles.