Federal Lawsuit Challenges Texas Law Mandating Ten Commandments in Public School Classrooms
Dallas-area families and faith leaders have filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block a new Texas law that requires the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom across the state.
Background of the Law
As previously reported, the new law signed by Governor Greg Abbott mandates that a specific version of the Ten Commandments be posted in every public school classroom in Texas. The legislation is scheduled to take effect in September 2025 and would impact thousands of classrooms statewide. Supporters argue that the law reflects the nation’s historical values, while opponents claim it infringes on religious freedom and the separation of church and state.
A near identical law in Louisiana was struck down by the federal courts just last week.
Details of the Lawsuit
Previously in May, the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Americans United for Separation of Church and State and Freedom From Religion Foundation announced they would file a lawsuit over the bill should it become a law.
In the lawsuit, filed in federal court by a coalition of families and faith leaders from the Dallas area, asserts that the law violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prohibits government endorsement of religion. Plaintiffs argue that requiring the display of a religious text in public schools is unconstitutional and could alienate students of different faiths or no faith.
“This law sends a message that students who do not subscribe to the state’s preferred version of the Ten Commandments are outsiders in their own schools,” the lawsuit states. The plaintiffs include parents, students, and religious leaders from various backgrounds, all united in their opposition to the mandate.
Supporters’ Perspective
Proponents of the law, including Governor Abbott and several state legislators, maintain that the Ten Commandments are a foundational document for Western legal and moral systems. They argue that the displays are intended to educate students about the nation’s heritage rather than promote a particular religion. “Bringing the Ten Commandments and prayer back to our public schools will enable our students to become better Texans,” Abbott said when signing the bill.
Opposition and Broader Implications
Opponents, including civil liberties groups and interfaith organizations, warn that the law could set a precedent for government endorsement of religion in public institutions. They point to similar laws in other states, such as Louisiana and Arkansas, which have faced legal challenges and court injunctions. The lawsuit in Texas highlights concerns about religious freedom and the rights of minority faiths in public education.
The law specifies the exact wording of the Ten Commandments to be used, which has raised additional concerns among religious groups that use different versions of the text. The scale of the law’s impact is significant, as it would require thousands of public school classrooms to display the mandated document.
What Happens Next?
The federal court will now consider the arguments from both sides. If the law is allowed to take effect, Texas would become the largest state to require the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. The outcome of the lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for similar legislation in other states and the ongoing debate over the separation of church and state in American public life.
