Supporters say the measure reflects historical values, while critics argue it violates First Amendment protections.
SAN ANTONIO — A federal appeals court has cleared the way for Texas to require public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments, a decision that is drawing strong reactions and renewing debate over the separation of church and state in education.
The ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit allows enforcement of a state law mandating that the religious text be posted in all public school classrooms. Supporters say the measure reflects historical values, while critics argue it violates First Amendment protections.
The lawsuit challenging the law was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Texas and other groups on behalf of families in several school districts. The suit targeted districts including Northside, Northeast, Alamo Heights and Lackland independent school districts, seeking to block the displays.
Districts named in the lawsuit say they will follow the court’s order and state law.
Northeast Independent School District, which serves about 55,000 students across 67 campuses, said in a statement it “must and will comply” with the appeals court decision.
Lackland and Alamo Heights ISDs issued similar statements, confirming they will adhere to the law.
Northside ISD, one of the largest districts involved with roughly 97,000 students across 133 campuses, said it is taking no official stance on the ruling but will remain in compliance with legal requirements.
Attorneys with the ACLU of Texas sharply criticized the decision.
“We are extremely disappointed in today’s decision,” the organization said in a statement. “The court’s ruling goes against fundamental First Amendment principles and binding U.S. Supreme Court authority. 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. This decision tramples those rights.”
The group added it expects to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case.
The requirement stems from Senate Bill 10, which took effect Sept. 1 and mandates that the Ten Commandments be displayed in a visible location in every public school classroom. The lawsuit was filed two months before the law went into effect.
While the law requires the postings, it does not outline explicit penalties for districts that fail to comply.