Texas Mandates Ten Commandments in Every Public School Classroom
Texas officials have enacted a law that will require every public school classroom to display the Ten Commandments. The new measure, signed by Governor Greg Abbott, will make Texas the largest state in the nation to impose such a mandate.
Legal and Historical Context
The law is stirring controversy, with critics arguing that it violates the constitutional principle of separation of church and state. Similar measures in Louisiana have been halted by federal courts, and an Arkansas law with comparable requirements is also under legal challenge.
Legislative Passage
The bill easily passed through the Republican-controlled state House and Senate during the legislative session that ended on June 2. Representative Candy Noble, a co-sponsor of the legislation, explained that the intent of the bill is to emphasize what is considered historically significant to the nation both educationally and judicially.
Details of the Requirement
Under the new law, public schools must post in every classroom a framed or poster-sized copy of the Ten Commandments measuring 16-by-20 inches. The copy must be a specific English version, despite the fact that translations and interpretations can vary widely across different faiths and denominations.
Supporters and Opponents Weigh In
Proponents maintain that the Ten Commandments have long played a role in shaping the judicial and educational systems of the United States and deserve a place in classrooms. However, opponents—including leaders from various faith communities—worry that such a mandate improperly inserts religious content into a public institution, potentially alienating students who practice other religions or none at all. Texas, home to nearly 6 million students across roughly 9,100 public schools, is central to this debate.
Looking Ahead
In 2005, then–Attorney General Abbott successfully defended the presence of a Ten Commandments monument on the grounds of the Texas Capitol before the Supreme Court. With similar laws in Louisiana already ruled unconstitutional, state Attorney General Liz Murrell has indicated that Texas will appeal any legal challenges and is prepared to take the conflict to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary.
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