New Texas law requires Ten Commandments to be displayed in classrooms

**Austin, Texas** – The hushed anticipation in the Texas State Capitol building just hours ago was palpable. Now, the reverberations of Governor Greg Abbott's signature on House Bill 1515, mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in every public elementary and secondary classroom across the state, are echoing far beyond the capitol's walls. This "New Texas law requires Ten Commandments to be displayed in classrooms", a move lauded by conservative lawmakers as a restoration of moral foundations, is simultaneously triggering fierce debate about religious freedom and the separation of church and state.

The bill, requiring a framed copy of the Ten Commandments – funded by private donations – to be prominently displayed in classrooms by the start of the new school year, passed both chambers of the Texas legislature with largely Republican support. Supporters, like State Representative Tom Oliverson, the bill’s sponsor, argue that the Commandments represent a foundational document of Western civilization and an important historical context for American law. He stated on the House floor, “The Ten Commandments are a testament to the principles upon which our nation was founded. Displaying them is a way to remind students of the importance of morality and civic virtue.”

However, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas immediately condemned the new law, announcing plans to explore legal challenges. In a statement released moments after the signing, the ACLU argued that HB 1515 violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prohibits government endorsement of religion. “This law is a blatant attempt to inject religious ideology into public schools and alienate students who do not adhere to the Ten Commandments," the statement read. The group further emphasized the potential for creating an environment of exclusion and discrimination against students from minority faiths or no faith at all.

Across social media, the "latest on New Texas law requires Ten Commandments to be displayed in classrooms" spread like wildfire. Twitter erupted with opinions ranging from fervent support, marked by hashtags like #TenCommandmentsNow and #TexasValues, to scathing criticism using #SeparationOfChurchAndState and #ReligiousFreedom. One tweet from a Texas parent read: “As a Christian, I’m thrilled! Our kids need moral guidance. Finally, something good coming out of Austin.” Conversely, another user posted: “This is America, not a theocracy. What about my children who aren’t Christian? This is blatant discrimination.”

The Texas Freedom Network, a watchdog organization that monitors religious freedom issues, voiced deep concerns about the law’s implications for public education. Executive Director Val Benavidez stated, “This is just the latest attempt to turn Texas public schools into religious indoctrination centers. It sends a clear message that some students are more valued than others based on their religious beliefs.” Benavidez further pointed out the potential for legal challenges to drain resources from already underfunded public schools.

Beyond the immediate legal and political ramifications, the law is sparking a deeper societal conversation about the role of religion in public life. Dr. Susan Daugherty, a professor of constitutional law at the University of Texas at Austin, highlighted the complex legal history surrounding displays of religious texts in public spaces. “The Supreme Court has addressed similar cases in the past, often finding such displays unconstitutional if they are perceived as endorsements of religion. The context and purpose of the display are crucial factors,” she explained. Daugherty added that the Texas law is likely to face intense scrutiny and a potential legal battle that could reach the Supreme Court.

As the "New Texas law requires Ten Commandments to be displayed in classrooms news today" continues to dominate headlines, the focus now shifts to the practical implementation of the law. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) faces the challenge of ensuring compliance across thousands of school districts, while navigating the inevitable legal challenges and the deeply divided opinions within the state. The future of this law, and its impact on the Texas educational landscape, remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the debate surrounding religion and public education is far from over.

**Written by Mujahid Asghar Jutt.**

Written by Mujahid Jutt