Kamal Ghorui
A federal appeals court in the US has ruled that Texas can require the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, delivering a split 9-8 decision that supports a key conservative-backed policy. The ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit allows the state to move ahead with a law signed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The decision is expected to influence similar laws passed in other states, including Louisiana and Arkansas. According to Associated Press, the court said the requirement does not violate constitutional rights. The majority opinion stated that students are not required to follow or recite the religious text. “No child is made to recite the Commandments, believe them, or affirm their divine origin,” the ruling said, AP reports.
What the law requires in schools
The law requires public schools to display donated posters of the Ten Commandments in a clearly visible location in classrooms. The posters must meet specific 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 safeguards the separation of church and state, and the freedom of families to choose how, when and if to provide their children with religious instruction,” the group said in a statement..
Earlier ruling reversed
The decision reverses an earlier ruling by a lower federal court that had blocked several Texas school districts from displaying the posters. Texas officials welcomed the verdict. State Attorney General Ken Paxton said the ruling supports the state’s position on the role of religious texts in public life. “The Ten Commandments have had a profound impact on our nation, and it’s important that students learn from them every single day,” he said, according to AP.
Wider push 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 content from the Bible. Another proposal under consideration could introduce Bible stories into required reading lists. The appeals court had also heard arguments in a similar case from Louisiana earlier this year. In February, it allowed Louisiana to enforce a comparable law. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said the Texas ruling supports her state’s legal position. Alabama has also passed a similar law.
Dissent flags constitutional concerns
The court’s decision included dissenting opinions. Judge Stephen A. Higginson wrote that the law raises concerns about government involvement in religion and the intent of the Constitution’s framers.
Implementation varies across districts
The Texas law applies to public schools that choose to accept donated posters. While the display is tied to donations, implementation has varied across districts. Some school systems have already received materials, while others have issued guidance to staff on handling student questions. The case is expected to continue as opponents prepare to challenge the ruling at the Supreme Court.
