SAN ANTONIO A Texas lawyer is offering contrasting opinions to a statement state Attorney General Ken Paxton made involving the fate of thousands of students in our area amid the pandemic. Paxton said religious schools do not have to abide by guidelines restricting in-person classes because of the U.S. and Texas constitutions and the Texas Freedom of Religion Act. With Texas AGs blessing, San Antonio religious schools prepare for students return to campusI dont think its a blanket rule either way, said Matthew Manning, an attorney with Webb and Cason PC. I will say that governments do have the ability to put some imposition on religious practice where it is a compelling state interest. There are students who attend religious schools that dont actually adhere to that religion, Manning said.