Starting September 1, public and secondary schools throughout Texas are required to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. This directive, issued by Attorney General Ken Paxton, has faced strong opposition and multiple legal challenges. In a recent statement, Paxton emphasized that all Texas Independent School Districts (ISDs), except those currently engaged in ongoing litigation, must comply with the mandate established by Senate Bill 10.
“From the beginning, the Ten Commandments have been irrevocably intertwined with America’s legal, moral, and historical heritage,” Paxton stated, stressing the responsibility of schools not affected by lawsuits to comply. He added, “The woke radicals seeking to erase our nation's history will be defeated,” expressing his determination to uphold the policy, according to the Texas Attorney General's Office. While schools are not required to purchase displays of the commandments, they must accept and display donations that meet the criteria outlined in S.B. 10.
Legal challenges were filed prior to the enactment of S.B. 10, leading to a preliminary injunction issued by a federal district court judge last Wednesday. This injunction currently prevents certain ISDs, including Alamo Heights, North East, and Austin, from displaying the Ten Commandments. Paxton has appealed the ruling.
Despite these developments, many schools in Texas are preparing to implement the changes required by the law, except for ISDs such as Cypress Fairbanks, Fort Bend, and Houston, which are currently covered by a court injunction. Other school districts in the state are expected to follow Paxton’s directive as the school year begins and the law is enforced.
