| Published May 27, 2025
The Texas Legislature has passed Senate Bill 10, a measure requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom across the state. The bill, which mandates a 16-by-20-inch framed version of the commandments in English, is expected to be signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott and take effect in the 2025–2026 school year.
Proponents of the bill argue that the Ten Commandments are foundational to American legal and educational systems and that their display reinforces moral values. State Representative Candy Noble, the bill’s sponsor, stated, “Nothing is more deep-rooted in the fabric of our American tradition of education than the Ten Commandments.”
However, the legislation has sparked significant controversy. Critics, including civil liberties groups and some religious leaders, contend that the mandate infringes on the constitutional separation of church and state and may alienate students from diverse religious backgrounds. They also point to the 1980 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Stone v. Graham, which struck down a similar law requiring the posting of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, deeming it unconstitutional.
The bill’s passage is part of a broader effort by Texas Republicans to integrate religious elements into public education. Other recent measures include legislation supporting school prayer and the use of religious school vouchers. These initiatives have reignited debates over religious freedom and the role of religion in public schools.
SB 10: Displaying of the Ten Commandments in Classrooms. Instilling good values and morals in children is essential. The Ten Commandments offer foundational principles that help guide young minds to become respectful, responsible, and productive members of society. #txlege
As the bill moves toward becoming law, legal challenges are anticipated. Opponents argue that the mandate could lead to religious coercion and compromise the religious freedom of all students. The outcome of these challenges may have significant implications for the intersection of religion and public education in Texas and potentially across the United States.
If signed into law, Texas will become the second state in the country to require the Ten Commandments to be posted in every public-school classroom after Louisana passed similar legislation last year.
Here are the key implications of Texas’ new law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms:
Cultural and Moral Restoration
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Reinforcing Judeo-Christian Values: Conservatives often see the Ten Commandments as foundational moral principles that shaped Western law and American civic life. Displaying them is viewed as restoring traditional values and ethical grounding in schools.
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Counter to Moral Decline: Many on the right see rising crime, broken families, and classroom behavioral issues as signs of moral decay. This law is seen as a proactive effort to instill character and discipline in students.
Religious Freedom, Not Establishment
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Historical Acknowledgment, Not Worship: Supporters argue this isn’t about establishing a state religion, but acknowledging America’s religious heritage. They emphasize that the Founders referenced God and Biblical values frequently, including in public documents and monuments.
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Leveling the Playing Field: In their view, secularism has dominated schools for decades. This law is seen as rebalancing the educational environment to include religious voices rather than suppressing them.
Political Momentum and Model for Other States
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Strengthening Conservative Education Policy: The bill is part of a broader conservative agenda to challenge what they see as leftist dominance in public education. It aligns with pushes for school choice, parental rights, and curriculum oversight.
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Setting Precedent Nationally: If this law survives legal challenges, it could inspire similar legislation in other Republican-led states. For conservatives, it’s a test case for reintegrating faith-based values into the public sphere.
Overall Takeaway:
The passage of Texas’ Ten Commandments law represents a bold reaffirmation of the state’s commitment to its religious and moral roots. For conservatives, it’s not just a policy change—it’s a cultural statement pushing back against decades of secularization in public education. By placing timeless principles at the front of every classroom, Texas signals that moral clarity, historical truth, and religious freedom still have a place in shaping the next generation of Americans. The outcome of the inevitable legal battles will likely shape the future of faith in public life nationwide.
SOURCES: THE GATEWAY PUNDIT – Texas Passes Law Mandating Ten Commandents in Public School Classrooms — Gov. Abbott Expected to Sign Into Law
THE TEXAS TRIBUNE – Texas will require public school classrooms to display Ten Commandments under bill nearing passage
STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS – Bill to display Ten Commandments in public schools in Texas advances
CHRISTIAN POST – Texas House passes bill requiring Ten Commandments in classrooms; Abbott expected to sign
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS NEWS – Texas lawmakers move to post the Ten Commandments in all school classrooms
AP NEWS – Texas is closer to putting the Ten Commandments in classrooms after a key vote
