Texas AG reminds school districts to display Ten Commandments

Attorney General Ken Paxton on Wednesday issued an advisory reminding public school districts of their obligations under a state law that took effect in early September. All publicly funded K-12 classrooms must display a copy of the Ten Commandments that is at least 16-by-20 inches in a durable frame. Paxton said the Ten Commandments are a cornerstone of the United States’ moral and legal heritage and that their principles are needed in schools. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed the measure into law in June. Critics argued the bill could violate state laws prohibiting compelled religious activity or special treatment for one religion.

Has anyone challenged the law? A U.S. district judge in San Antonio temporarily allowed 11 school districts in August to not comply with the law while a legal case continued. That case was filed by a group of parents represented by the American Civil Liberties Union. The parents in the case have a variety of religious affiliations—some say they are not religious. The school districts are currently exempt from the requirement under the injunction, in which Judge Fred Biery said the Ten Commandments could pressure children into religious observance. Paxton last month appealed the ruling. Meanwhile, federal courts have also halted similar laws in Louisiana and Arkansas from taking effect. 

Dig deeper: Read Christina Grube’s report about a similar law in Arkansas.