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Texas Ten Commandments classroom law dispute

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2026-07-31 20:42 UTC → 2026-08-03 17:13 UTC · added removed

In July 2026, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, sitting en banc, affirmed Texas legislation that mandates Ten Commandments displays in public classrooms, rejecting the Lemon test and holding the law does not amount to state endorsement of a religion. The decision followed earlier federal challenges that had been dismissed. Later that month, three Texas Houston‑area parents filed a state‑court lawsuit in Harris County seeking removal of the mandated posters, arguing posters. The suit argues the displays displays, required by Senate Bill 10, violate the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1999 and the voter‑approved Proposition 15 parental‑rights amendment. The plaintiffs contend the posters amendment, claiming they substantially interfere with their children’s free exercise of religion, while religion and expose them to state‑sponsored religion. Plaintiff Emily Roth, joined by two other mothers, says the posters “teach students, and their teachers, that exclusion is acceptable, maybe even preferred,” and that they make students feel they do not belong. The parents are represented by former district‑court judge Vanessa D. Gilmore, who contends the displays privilege a single faith and conflict with state law. Senate Bill 10 specifies a minimum poster size of 16 × 20 inches. Attorney General Ken Paxton defended the displays as historical instruction. The suit aims for part of U.S. history instruction and the plaintiffs seek a court order before the upcoming August school year. year begins. Together, the appellate ruling and the subsequent parental lawsuit ongoing state‑court action illustrate the ongoing continuing legal contest over the constitutionality and implementation of the Texas’s Ten Commandments classroom requirement in Texas. requirement.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-03 17:13 UTC Texas Ten Commandments classroom law dispute
  2. 2026-07-31 20:42 UTC Texas Ten Commandments classroom law dispute

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