# US state laws mandating Ten Commandments in schools

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-state-laws-mandating-ten-commandments-in-schools
> Updated: 2026-08-16T03:28:21.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

Several U.S. states are implementing laws that mandate the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, a move that has triggered significant legal opposition.

In Louisiana, a 2024 law is being enacted for public schools and colleges following a federal appeals court ruling. While some school districts report a smooth rollout, students in certain parishes have expressed dissatisfaction with the new religious displays.

In Texas, Senate Bill 10 requires classroom displays, with officials noting that posters are to be purchased through private donations. Supported by Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, the mandate is facing a lawsuit filed by three mothers. The plaintiffs argue the law violates the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act by placing a “substantial burden on the free exercise of religion” for families with non-Christian beliefs. Supporters contend the displays are passive historical representations that do not compel belief.

Alabama has also approved legislation requiring the displays starting January 1, framing the posters as educational tools alongside historical documents like the U.S. Constitution. House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter described the measure as a “major win” for the state. These developments occur amid broader legal contests in states like Arkansas and Tennessee regarding similar religious postings in schools.

The legal battle over the Texas mandate has escalated, with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other civil rights groups petitioning the U.S. Supreme Court to review the law. This follows a narrow 9-8 decision by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that upheld the requirement to display a state-selected version of the text from the King James Bible. Plaintiffs argue the law violates the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause by imposing religious scripture on students.

## Claims

- A Louisiana law requires the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A federal appeals court cleared the Louisiana law requiring the displays. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Texas Senate bill SB10 requires all public school classrooms to display a graphic of the Ten Commandments. (single source)
- Three mothers filed a lawsuit in Texas arguing that SB10 violates the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act. (single source)
- Under Texas law, the required posters must be purchased using private donations. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-16: Texas school Ten Commandments law challenged at Supreme Court

The ACLU has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to review a Texas law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms, citing First Amendment concerns.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ten-commandments-displays-implemented-in-louisiana-and-texas-schools

### 2026-08-05: Alabama enacts Ten Commandments school display law amid nationwide legal challenges

Alabama passed a law mandating Ten Commandments posters in public school classrooms, hailed as a major win by House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, while similar religious display bans face lawsuits in Texas and a

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alabama-enacts-ten-commandments-school-display-law-amid-nationwide-legal-challenges

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Cite as: US state laws mandating Ten Commandments in schools. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-state-laws-mandating-ten-commandments-in-schools