by San Antonio, TX – A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction requiring several Texas school districts to take down the newly installed Ten Commandments posters from their classrooms. This decision marks a significant legal challenge to Senate Bill 10, a state law that mandated displaying these religious texts in public schools.
The ruling comes amid a lawsuit filed by 15 families of diverse faiths and nonreligious backgrounds who argue the law infringes on constitutional rights, specifically the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause. The ruling highlights concerns over the imposition of religious doctrine on over 5.5 million public school students across Texas.
Legal Ruling and Its Impact on Texas School Districts
U.S. District Judge Orlando L. Garcia issued the injunction on Tuesday, mandating that the defendant school districts remove the Ten Commandments displays by December 1 and prohibiting the posting of new ones while the case proceeds. The judge stated:
“Displaying the Ten Commandments on the wall of a public-school classroom as set forth in S.B. 10 violates the Establishment Clause.”
Judge Garcia emphasized the difficulty for families to avoid exposure to these religious messages without stopping enforcement district-wide. The injunction affects 16 districts including Comal, Georgetown, Conroe, Flour Bluff, Fort Worth, Arlington, McKinney, Frisco, and others.
Concerns Raised by Multifaith and Nonreligious Families
The plaintiffs — representing Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Baha’i, Humanist, and atheist families — argue that Senate Bill 10 forces a particular Protestant version of the Ten Commandments upon students, conflicting with their personal beliefs and traditions.
- Many parents reported the law pressures children to conform to the mandated religious text to avoid ostracization at school.
- Jewish families noted discrepancies between the mandated text and their scripture.
- Nonreligious parents objected to the religious authority of the posters and controversial references such as adultery.
- Even some Christian parents expressed concern that the displays interfere with their parental role in faith development.
Several school districts complied with the law through donations or purchases; Frisco ISD reportedly acquired over 4,800 posters. Mansfield ISD informed parents that teachers could not refuse to display the posters.
Support from Civil Liberties Groups
The families are represented by organizations including the ACLU of Texas, the ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation.
“I am relieved that as a result of today’s ruling, my children, who are among a small number of Jewish children at their schools, will no longer be continually subjected to religious displays,” said plaintiff Lenee Bien-Willner.
Chloe Kempf, staff attorney for the ACLU of Texas, commented: “This decision protects thousands of Texas students from ostracization, bullying, and state-mandated religious coercion. Every district is now on notice that implementing S.B. 10 violates their students’ constitutional rights.”
The ruling and lawsuit can be further explored in detailed coverage by WFAA News.
What Lies Ahead for Senate Bill 10 and Texas Schools?
While the injunction currently applies only to the named districts, civil rights advocates argue that all Texas school districts are legally compelled to cease implementation of S.B. 10. A further hearing is anticipated as the lawsuit progresses toward a final decision on the law’s constitutionality.
Read Also: Florida Woman Finds Metal Bolt in Disney World Salad, Sparks Food Safety Concerns
- This case highlights the ongoing debate over religious displays in public education.
- The decision reinforces the constitutional safeguard against government endorsement of religion in schools.
- Texas school districts statewide may reevaluate policies to ensure compliance with constitutional rights.
What do you think about this ruling and the presence of religious displays in public schools? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
