Texas’ New Mandate on the Ten Commandments
Texas is implementing the largest initiative in the country to display the Ten Commandments in public schools. This Republican-led mandate, which began in September, has prompted various school districts to make challenging decisions.
The law mandates that Texas public schools must exhibit the Ten Commandments in classrooms if they receive donated posters. These displays are required to be positioned “in a conspicuous place” and must measure 16 inches wide by 20 inches tall, with text large enough for individuals with average vision to read from anywhere in the classroom.
Some teachers have chosen to resign due to their concerns about this law. For instance, high school theater teacher Gigi Cervantes felt that it compelled her to impose religious beliefs on her students, infringing upon their First Amendment rights. Similarly, band director Johnnie Cotton expressed his belief on social media that politics and religion should not intersect within public education.
Federal courts have instructed over two dozen of Texas’ nearly 1,200 school districts not to display these posters. A recent ruling determined that the mandate infringes on First Amendment protections regarding religious freedom and prohibits government endorsement of religion. Comparable laws in Arkansas and Louisiana have also been invalidated by courts, and this matter is likely headed for review by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The responses among school districts vary significantly across Texas. For example, Frisco spent approximately $1,800 printing nearly 5,000 posters before receiving any donations, while Galveston decided against displaying them until a court ruling clarifies the law’s constitutionality. The Hays district opted to post copies of the Bill of Rights alongside the Ten Commandments, while Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed lawsuits against districts he claims are not adhering to compliance.
The posting of commandments at Madison Creed’s high school sparked considerable discussion among students; she noted that opinions were divided on the issue. Teacher Rachel Preston expressed concern for students who do not identify as Christian feeling uncomfortable with such displays in classrooms. Even parent Tiffany Meadows voiced her worries about non-Christian students being affected by these public school mandates.
