Dear Conregation Emanu El and Becker School Families,

We are committed to keeping our community updated about the ongoing situation and would like to share news we’ve just received regarding the scheduled criminal proceedings against Ezra Law.

While we were previously informed that the next hearing would be Monday, January 30, as of 3:45 pm CST today, January 27, we have learned that the trial is being assigned to another court and will not occur as scheduled. Perhaps most importantly, Law will remain in custody with no bond until a new hearing is scheduled. In the interest of sharing everything we’ve heard, we can say that the new hearing could be held in 10-14 days, although that is not confirmed at this time.

All heightened security measures remain in place. We will continue to actively monitor the situation and provide additional updates the moment we know more.

If you have questions or concerns, we’re here to talk.

Please feel welcome to reach out to Stuart Gaylor at Stuart.Gaylor3@gmail.com or Sarah Williams at SarahW@emanuelhouston.org.

Stuart Gaylor, President

Sarah Williams, Becker School Director

To our Congregation Emanu El and Becker School Families,

This urgent update is to inform you that we have just received confirmation the hearing for Ezra Law will now be held tomorrow, Tuesday, January 31, at 10:30am. At this time, Law is still in custody.

Tuesday’s hearing will be open to the public. You may attend in person or virtually as an observer. Please do not contact the court or Judge as that could negatively impact the case.

The court’s address is:
Criminal Justice Center
20th floor
Associate Judge 2
1201 Franklin
Houston, Texas 77002

We have been provided this link to attend the hearing virtually: https://justex.zoom.us/j/85267451978. All heightened security measures remain in place. We are committed to keeping you updated and will share additional information the moment we know more.

If you have questions or concerns, we’re here to talk. Please feel welcome to reach out to Stuart Gaylor at stuart.gaylor3@gmail.com.

Stuart Gaylor, President

Sarah Williams, Becker School Director

To our Congregation Emanu El and Becker School Families,

We are writing today to share another update on the current situation.

A hearing for Ezra Law did proceed today as scheduled and as mentioned in yesterday’s message to the community. As a result of that hearing, bond was set at $10,000 with conditions that include 24-hour ankle monitoring, house arrest, 24-hour curfew, compliance with treatment recommendations, no contact with Congregation Emanu El to include social media mentions or tagging, and no contact with minors. At this time we don’t know if bond will actually be posted, but given the seriousness of the situation we are operating on the assumption that it could be.

We are treating this development with the gravity it deserves. We are notifying all staff and our community at large, along with both Houston and Rice University’s police departments. In addition, we are making certain existing security protocols are reinforced and activating more safeguards, including off-duty police officers present on campus.

Security Protocols include:

• Full time guards at our perimeter
• Full time guards at all authorized building entrances
• 24/7 on-campus security
• Enhanced security for large events
• Supplemental HPD and sub-station patrols on our campus
• Enhanced campus entry protocols
• Reduced access points
• 2-Step verification process for entry
• Hall Pass verification implemented for all vendors, service and delivery people
• Additional off-duty police officer present on campus if Ezra Law posts bond

There is no higher priority than maintaining the safety of everyone on our campus, and we are employing every tool at our disposal to do so. We remain committed to keeping you updated and will share any new information the moment we know more.

As always, we’re here to talk. Please feel welcome to reach out to Stuart Gaylor at stuart.gaylor3@gmail.com.