Faith
Texas Schools Drop Vendor Amid Concerns
Faith Facts
- Seven Texas school districts are ending or changing contracts with Lifetouch Photography over parental concerns.
- A former executive of Apollo Global Management, which owns Lifetouch, was named in recently released Epstein files.
- Lifetouch asserted it is not implicated in any wrongdoing, and no student images were accessed by Apollo leadership.
Several Texas school districts are listening to parents and taking action regarding their student photo vendor, demonstrating responsible stewardship and concern for student wellbeing. Leaders are prioritizing family trust by finding new ways to conduct student photography and reviewing vendors through a faith-centered lens.
Reports connected Leon Black, former CEO of Apollo Global Management, to allegations in Epstein case documents, raising understandable questions among families.
“We decided to keep all of our pictures in-house for the time being,” said a Malakoff ISD spokeswoman, responding directly to feedback from concerned parents.
Districts like Athens ISD are carefully seeking new options, exemplifying transparent leadership and protecting nearly 3,000 students.
Lifetouch CEO Ken Murphy clarified, “The company is not named in the Epstein files and no past or present Apollo board member or investor has ever accessed student images for any purpose.” Murphy emphasized the company’s commitment to privacy and its long-standing service to schools.
Christian families are encouraged to remain vigilant and engaged in decisions impacting their children, upholding the values of faith, integrity, and community protection. Let us pray for discernment for our local leaders and strength for our families as they stand for what is right.