A coalition of Dallas-area families and religious leaders has filed a federal lawsuit aiming to block a new Texas law that mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom. The plaintiffs, representing diverse faith backgrounds—including Christianity and the Nation of Islam—argue that the law violates the constitutional principle of separation of church and state.
Signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 21, Senate Bill 10 requires all public elementary and secondary school classrooms in Texas to display a 16-by-20-inch English-language poster of the Ten Commandments. The law is set to take effect on September 1, coinciding with the start of the 2025–2026 academic year.
The lawsuit targets the Texas Education Agency, Education Commissioner Mike Morath, and three Dallas-area school districts: Dallas, DeSoto, and Lancaster Independent School Districts. The plaintiffs contend that the mandated display imposes a specific religious doctrine on students, infringing upon their First Amendment rights.
Civil liberties organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation, have pledged support for the legal challenge. These groups argue that the law coerces students into religious observance and undermines the religious freedom of families with diverse beliefs.
Governor Abbott has defended the law, stating that “faith and freedom are the foundation of our nation,” and expressing confidence in overcoming legal challenges. He emphasized the historical significance of the Ten Commandments in American legal and educational systems.
This legal battle in Texas reflects a broader national debate over the role of religion in public institutions. Similar laws in states like Louisiana and Arkansas have faced legal opposition. Notably, a federal appeals court recently ruled Louisiana’s mandate to display the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms unconstitutional, citing violations of the separation of church and state.
The outcome of the Texas lawsuit could have significant implications for the intersection of religion and public education, potentially setting a precedent for other states considering similar measures.
