Texas mandates Ten Commandments displays in public school classrooms

In June 2025, Texas enacted a controversial law mandating that all public school classrooms display the Ten Commandments. This legislation, signed by Governor Greg Abbott, marks Texas as the largest state to introduce such a requirement. The law, which passed easily in a Republican-controlled legislature, specifies that each public school classroom must present a 16-by-20-inch poster of a specific English version of the commandments. This initiative aims to highlight the historical importance of the commandments within the United States' educational and judicial framework. The decision to advance this legislation faced immediate criticism, particularly regarding the potential violation of the First Amendment's separation of church and state. Legal challenges are anticipated, with opponents viewing the measure as an infringement on religious freedom. Critics include a coalition of Christian and Jewish leaders, as well as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), who argue that the law disregards the diverse religious beliefs of Texas's nearly six million public school students. In addition to this mandate, Governor Abbott also signed a bill permitting a daily voluntary period of prayer or reading of religious texts in schools. Proponents argue that the Ten Commandments underscore fundamental principles of moral and ethical behavior and are an essential part of American heritage. However, those against the law assert that it imposes a singular religious viewpoint on students who may come from various backgrounds with differing beliefs. The law's introduction in Texas aligns with similar measures in conservative-led states, such as Louisiana and Arkansas, where attempts to incorporate religious teachings into public school environments have faced scrutiny and legal challenges. Following a recent ruling against similar laws in Louisiana, which was deemed unconstitutional, Texas officials remain confident about the legitimacy of their new law despite the legal precedents established against such displays in public schools. Time will reveal the outcome of this legislative endeavor, particularly regarding its sustainability amid forthcoming legal battles.