August 29, 2025

Texas Schools Navigate New Law on Ten Commandments Display

News Summary

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has reinforced a law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms starting September 1. The legislation allows for privately donated copies to be displayed in a way that is conspicuous and legible. Despite this, legal challenges have arisen from a coalition opposing the law on constitutional grounds. Federal Judge Fred Biery has halted the law’s implementation temporarily for some districts, while others move forward amid ongoing debates over church and state separation. The outcomes of these legal battles may significantly impact public school policies across the nation.

Texas – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has reinforced a new state law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms, effective September 1, despite ongoing legal challenges. The law, recognized as Senate Bill 10, requires that if a copy of the Ten Commandments is privately donated, it must be exhibited prominently in the classroom setting.

The legislation stipulates that school districts are not responsible for purchasing copies of the Ten Commandments; they can accept donations as long as the donated materials comply with specific criteria established in SB 10. Among these requirements, the text of the Ten Commandments must be printed on a durable poster or framed copy no smaller than 16 by 20 inches, ensuring it is legible from any point in the classroom. Although the law does not specify a designated location for the display, it must be placed in a “conspicuous place.” Moreover, the display must stand alone without any additional text accompanying it.

Resistance against this law has emerged from a coalition of families and faith leaders in the Dallas area, who are contesting its constitutionality. They contend that the requirement infringes upon First Amendment rights by disrespecting the separation of church and state. Citing these concerns, federal district court Judge Fred Biery issued a preliminary injunction, temporarily halting the implementation of the law for several school districts. He emphasized that students represent a “captive audience” in educational institutions.

Nine school districts are named as defendants in the lawsuit: Alamo Heights, North East, Cypress Fairbanks, Lackland, Lake Travis, Fort Bend, Dripping Springs, Plano, and Northside. Attorney General Paxton responded by appealing Judge Biery’s ruling, arguing that the Ten Commandments are fundamentally linked to America’s legal, moral, and historical heritage. As the case progresses, it is headed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, which has previously blocked a similar Ten Commandments law in Louisiana.

Due to the ongoing legal uncertainties, some school districts have opted to delay compliance with the law. In contrast, others, especially Conroe Independent School District (ISD), have decided to move forward to meet the September 1 deadline. Conroe ISD officials announced on August 25 that they would distribute the necessary posters to their campuses regardless of the legal challenges at hand.

The controversy surrounding the new law extends to claims from opponents who argue that requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools equates to religious coercion. Nonprofit organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Freedom from Religion Foundation have pledged support for the lawsuit against this law.

In a bid to counter the opposition, Attorney General Paxton has referred to these critics as “woke radicals” aiming to diminish the historical values and virtues of the country. The judicial ruling by Judge Biery has faced backlash, with critics asserting that it improperly utilizes judicial oversight to interfere with a legislative enactment concerning states’ rights.

This developing situation in Texas highlights the ongoing debate over the relationship between education, law, and religion, with implications for public school policies not only in the state but across the nation. As districts navigate compliance amid legal scrutiny, the outcome of the case may set precedents regarding the display of religious texts in public educational institutions.

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Dallas Schools Challenge New Texas Law on Religious Displays
North Texas Schools Gear Up for Fall Semester
Texas Faith Leaders Sue Over School Ten Commandments Law
Dallas Schools Challenge Texas Law on Ten Commandments Display

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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