Texas Faith Leaders Sue Over School Ten Commandments Law

Texas faith leaders unite against new Ten Commandments law in schools

News Summary

A coalition of Texas faith leaders has filed a federal lawsuit challenging a new law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. The lawsuit, initiated by a diverse group of plaintiffs, argues the law violates the U.S. and Texas Constitutions by imposing religious doctrine on students of various faiths. They seek to have the law declared unconstitutional, as similar past legislation has faced legal challenges. The outcome of this case could significantly impact religious presence in Texas public education.

Dallas – A coalition of Texas faith leaders has filed a federal lawsuit against the state in response to a new law that mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom. The lawsuit, which was initiated on Tuesday, challenges Senate Bill 10, a law recently signed by Governor Greg Abbott that is slated to take effect on September 1.

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit represent a diverse group of Christian and Nation of Islam leaders who have children attending public schools in Texas. They contend that the new law infringes on both the U.S. and Texas Constitutions by imposing religious doctrine on students from various faith backgrounds, or those without any religious affiliation. The suit names Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath, the Texas Education Agency, alongside the school boards of Dallas, DeSoto, and Lancaster Independent School Districts as defendants.

Under Senate Bill 10, public school classrooms are required to display a state-approved version of the Ten Commandments in a minimum size of 16-by-20 inches. The law mandates that the display be positioned in a manner that is conspicuous and legible. The plaintiffs argue that such a requirement constitutes an unconstitutional endorsement of religion, which they claim violates the established principle of separation between church and state as outlined in the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

The legal complaint references the Supreme Court’s ruling in Stone v. Graham, which struck down similar legislation on constitutional grounds. It further contends that this law interferes with personal religious beliefs and may inadvertently coerce students to engage in religious practices. One plaintiff expressed concerns that the law undermines their ability to instill their own religious values in their children, particularly in predominantly non-Muslim environments.

The plaintiffs are seeking a declaration from the court to deem the law unconstitutional, aiming to prevent its enforcement in public schools throughout Texas. On the other hand, supporters of the legislation, including State Senator Bob Hall, assert that the Ten Commandments serve as a valuable moral compass for students, suggesting they provide positive guidance for individuals of all backgrounds.

Previous efforts to enact similar laws have faced legal challenges, such as a failed attempt in Louisiana that was blocked by a federal court for violating constitutional principles. As the situation develops, the DeSoto Independent School District is closely monitoring the legal proceedings and has expressed commitment to responsibly implement any necessary actions based on the outcome.

In addition to the Ten Commandments statute, Texas has also implemented a law permitting school districts to offer students voluntary time for prayer or reading religious texts. This initiative reflects a broader trend in conservative states to incorporate religious elements into public education systems.

Critics of the new Texas law argue that it coerces students and may alienate individuals from diverse faiths or those who identify as non-religious. As the case unfolds, it poses significant questions about the role of religion in public education and the potential implications for school policy across the state.

The outcome of this lawsuit could have lasting effects on the intersection of faith and education in Texas, as well as establish precedents for similar debates in other states grappling with the influence of religious doctrine in public school settings.