New Texas Law Mandates Display of the Ten Commandments in Public School Classrooms
AUSTIN, Texas – A recent law signed by Governor Greg Abbott will require every public school classroom across Texas to prominently display the Ten Commandments. The statewide mandate, aimed at highlighting the historical influences on the nation’s legal and educational systems, makes Texas the largest state to adopt such a requirement.
Legislative Passage and Intent
During the legislative session that concluded on June 2, the measure passed quickly through the Republican-controlled state House and Senate. Lawmakers argued that the commandments play a central role in America’s educational and judicial history. One state legislator, who co-sponsored the bill, emphasized that the focus was on reaffirming the nation’s historic values through education.
Requirements and Implementation
Under the new law, each classroom in Texas public schools must display a 16-by-20-inch poster or framed copy of a specific English version of the Ten Commandments. Critics note that this prescribed version does not account for the variations in translations and interpretations found among different denominations, faiths, and cultures.
Contentious Reactions and Legal Challenges
Opponents—including various faith leaders—argue that the mandated display infringes on religious freedom, particularly given Texas’ nearly 6 million public school students in approximately 9,100 institutions. A letter penned by dozens of Christian and Jewish leaders pointed out that many students come from diverse religious backgrounds that may have little connection to this particular version of the commandments.
Legal challenges are expected to arise, with critics suggesting the measure violates the separation of church and state. Similar laws in Louisiana and Arkansas have already faced and continue to face judicial scrutiny, with a Louisiana statute being blocked by a federal appeals court on constitutional grounds.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
This is not the first time Texas has grappled with such issues. In 2005, then–Attorney General Abbott successfully argued before the Supreme Court in defense of a Ten Commandments monument on the Capitol grounds. The current state Attorney General has expressed intentions to appeal any unfavorable rulings and, if necessary, to take the matter to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The unfolding legal battles surrounding this new law will likely prompt further debate over the role of religious symbols in public education and the boundaries of governmental authority in matters of faith.
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