A federal appeals court in the U.S. has ruled that Texas can require the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, in a 9-8 split ruling that upholds a key conservative-backed policy. The decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit allows the state to move forward with the law signed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. The decision is expected to influence similar laws passed in other states, including Louisiana and Arkansas. According to Associated PressThe court said that this condition does not violate the constitutional rights. The majority opinion held that students are not required to follow or recite religious texts. “No child is made to recite commandments, believe in them or affirm their divine origin,” the ruling said. A.P Reports
What is the need for law in schools?
Public schools are required by law to display donated posters of the Ten Commandments in a conspicuous place in classrooms. Posters must meet certain size and visibility standards. Legal groups have opposed the law. The American Civil Liberties Union, which challenged the policy on behalf of parents, said it plans to appeal the decision to the US Supreme Court. “The First Amendment protects the separation of church and state, and the freedom of families to choose how, when and if to provide religious education to their children,” the group said in a statement.
The earlier decision was reversed.
The ruling overturns an earlier ruling by a lower federal court that barred several Texas school districts from displaying the posters. Texas officials have welcomed the decision. State Attorney General Ken Paxton said the decision supports the state’s position on the role of religious texts in public life. “The Ten Commandments have had a profound effect on our nation, and it is important that students learn from them every single day,” he said. A.P
Wider pressure on religion in classrooms
The case is part of a broader set of measures related to religion in Texas schools. In 2024, the state approved an optional curriculum that includes biblical content. Another suggestion under consideration could be adding Bible stories to required reading lists. The appeals court also heard arguments in a similar case from Louisiana earlier this year. In February, it authorized Louisiana to enact a comparable law. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrell said the Texas decision supports her state’s legal position. Alabama has passed a similar law.
The dissent raised constitutional concerns.
The court’s decision included dissent. Judge Stephen A. Higginson wrote that the law raises concerns about government involvement in religion and the intent of the framers of the Constitution.
Enforcement varies across districts.
Texas law applies to public schools that choose to accept donated posters. While displays are related to donations, enforcement varies across districts. Some school systems have already received the materials, while others have issued guidance to staff for dealing with student questions. The case is expected to continue as opponents prepare to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court.
