Texas Law Mandates Ten Commandments in Classrooms

In June, Texas Governor Greg Abbott approved a law requiring all public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments. This legislation has stirred a notable response from various communities.

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick emphasized that this initiative aims to instill a fundamental moral compass among students, similar to what guided Texas’s early settlers and the nation. He said, perhaps with a hint of pride, that this would create a conducive environment for learning about shared values.

However, starting September 1, the idea that children would be reminded to uphold principles like honoring their parents and avoiding dishonesty, theft, and adultery sparked outrage among several liberal groups and anti-religion activists. Legal challenges quickly surfaced in response.

One vocal critic called out “corrupt school officials” for allegedly ignoring what Texas voters wanted. A lawsuit was filed on September 22, claiming that the required displays of the Ten Commandments violated the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause.

A federal judge has since ruled against the law, stating that enforcing the Ten Commandments in public schools is unconstitutional. Notably, Judge Orlando Garcia, appointed by Bill Clinton, expressed concerns over the pressure this could place on students from varying religious backgrounds—including atheists, agnostics, and various faiths—who wished to avoid undue influence from religious teachings.

In reaction to this ruling, the ACLU celebrated it as a victory for religious freedom, arguing that public schools should not impose religious texts on anyone. Daniel Mach, an ACLU director, noted that this decision reaffirms constitutional protections against such mandates.

Rachel Laser, head of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, echoed these sentiments. She suggested that parenting decisions regarding religious education should reside with families rather than political leaders. Yet, it’s worth mentioning that SB 10 passed with considerable voter support in Texas, with over 4 million backing Abbott’s approval of the bill.

Sam Glover, from the Religious Freedom Foundation, shared that this ruling was a significant win for families advocating against religious imposition in schools. Following the court’s decision, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an appeal, insisting that the law reflects the will of Texas voters and berating school districts that resisted compliance.

Looking ahead, a panel from the 5th Circuit Court previously ruled a similar Louisiana law unconstitutional, and they’ll be hearing Texas’s challenge concerning SB 10 on January 20, 2026, creating a backdrop of uncertainty for the future of this legislation.