Federal Judge Rules Against Ten Commandments in Texas Schools

A judge has decided that a Texas law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms is unconstitutional.

U.S. District Judge Orlando L. Garcia concluded that Senate Bill 10 interferes with the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which forbids the government from endorsing any religion.

“I feel relieved,” said plaintiff Renee Bien Willner, reflecting on how her Jewish children, who are among a minority in their school, will not face ongoing religious displays. “It’s really not the government’s role to influence parental decisions about faith.”

The judge’s directive requires school officials in the affected districts to take down the displays by December 1.

The order notably impacts several school districts. Organizations such as the ACLU, ACLU of Texas, Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, and the Religious Freedom Foundation are urging all districts to disregard the state law.

Specifically, the ruling targets districts like Comal, Georgetown, and Fort Worth, among others.

The ACLU filed the lawsuit on September 22 on behalf of 15 interfaith families across 14 Texas school districts, having initiated a similar case earlier in the summer for other families.

“This ruling reinforces a fundamental truth for Texans: the First Amendment safeguards the right of families and faith communities, not the government, to instill religious beliefs in their children,” stated Chloe Kemp, an ACLU of Texas attorney.

She emphasized, “Schools should focus on education rather than evangelization. It’s crucial to protect students from exclusion or coercion tied to religious practices.”

On the flip side, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is actively pursuing legal action against two school districts, Round Rock ISD and Leander ISD, for opting not to display the Ten Commandments.

Paxton remarked that these district officials are disregarding the demands of Texas voters who expect their legal and moral heritage to be represented. He insists that this lawsuit serves as a reminder that school districts cannot overlook state law without facing consequences.