Texas Mandates Ten Commandments in Classrooms
Austin, TX – In June 2023, Texas enacted Senate Bill 1515, requiring all public elementary and secondary school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments. Signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott, the measure took effect in September 2023 but mandates displays only begin once private donations cover the costs. Proponents view it as reinforcing moral foundations, while opponents cite violations of church-state separation.
Key Provisions of the Law
The law specifies that each K-12 classroom must feature a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments, measuring at least 16 inches wide and 20 inches tall. The text must be the central focus and easily readable. While the specific version isn't mandated, the display must be respectful.
Arguments for the Mandate
Supporters, including the bill's author Senator Phil King, argue the Ten Commandments are a foundational document influencing Western legal traditions and provide essential historical context for students. "The Ten Commandments are part of the historical heritage of this country," proponents stated during legislative debates, emphasizing its role in shaping American law and culture.
Opposition and First Amendment Concerns
Opponents strongly contest the law, arguing it breaches the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prohibits government endorsement of religion. Groups like the ACLU of Texas contend that mandating a specific religious text in public schools alienates students and families of different faiths or no faith, undermining the principle of inclusive public education.
Legal Challenges Underway
As anticipated, the law faces significant legal challenges. Critics point to the 1980 Supreme Court case *Stone v. Graham*, which struck down a similar Kentucky law mandating Ten Commandments displays in schools as unconstitutional. Lawsuits have been filed arguing that SB 1515 similarly violates the separation of church and state.
Implementation and Future Outlook
The law's practical implementation hinges on receiving donated displays that meet the specified requirements. The ultimate fate of the mandate likely rests with the courts, potentially reaching the Texas Supreme Court or the U.S. Supreme Court, continuing the long-standing national debate over religion's place in public education.
Further Reading
- The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment
- Supreme Court ruling in Stone v. Graham (1980)
- Text and analysis of Texas Senate Bill 1515
- History of church-state separation in US public schools