Religion and public schooling, education, and church—these words are intertwining, reshaping the very fabric of US education. A new legislative push in New Texas has drifted these discourses to the forefront: the intersection of religion and public schooling. At the heart of this controversy is a set of bills, which, if passed, would mandate the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools and carve out designated time for students to read religious texts. Proponents view this move as a reinforcement of America’s historical and moral foundations, while critics are apprehensive of constitutional overreach and blurring of the lines between church and state.
Legislative push for religious influence
State Senator Phil King, lead author of the bill mandating the display of the Ten Commandments, argues that the commandments are a foundational element of American legal and historical traditions. NBC news has quoted him saying, “If our students don’t know the Ten Commandments, they will never understand the foundation for much of American history and law.”
Another bill, authored by Senator Mayes Middleton, would enable school districts to implement policies allowing designated time for prayer and the reading of scripture or other religious texts, provided parental consent is obtained. Middleton emphasized the importance of ensuring that “our schools are not God-free zones,” crediting President Donald Trump and Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick for prioritizing prayer in public schools.
Historical and legal precedents
The initiative to incorporate and enshrine the Commandments in public schools is not a new term in the lexicon of America’s education system. A similar effort failed in Texas in 2023 due to legislative time constraints, though Lt. Gov. Patrick has reaffirmed that passing this legislation is a top priority for the current session, reports local media. Meanwhile, Louisiana became the first state to require the Ten Commandments displayed in public schools and colleges as of January 1, 2024. However, implementation remains uncertain due to a federal lawsuit from parents who claim it infringes upon their First Amendment rights.
The debate shares its roots with past legal confrontations. In 1980, the US Supreme Court struck down a Kentucky law mandating the Ten Commandments in classrooms, deeming it unconstitutional. More recently, in 2022, the Court ruled in favour of a Washington State high school football coach’s right to pray on the field, signaling a potential shift in how religious practices in public institutions are deciphered. Advocates of the Texas bill contend that this ruling strengthens the legal standing of their proposal.
A growing national trend?
Texas is not alone in this renewed push. It shares the seat with numerous other bills surfaced across the country, with varying degrees of legislative success. A Kentucky proposal would enable though not necessitate the showcase of the Ten Commandments in schools. Ohio lawmakers have brought forth a list of historical documents, including the Ten Commandments, that schools choose to display. In Georgia, a bill sought to mandate their placement at key school locations, such as the main gateways. Meanwhile, South Dakota’s version of the legislation recently failed by a narrow margin, displaying the divisive nature of the issue- even among conservative lawmakers.
Opposition and legal impediments
Critics claim that mandating the Ten Commandments in public schools violates the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause, which prohibits government endorsement of religion. Organisations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have vehemently contradicted these measures, citing concerns over religious inclusivity and legal precedent.
“Public schools are not Sunday schools,” Samantha Chapman, advocacy manager for the ACLU of South Dakota said to NBC News. She further added, “Today’s vote ensures that our public school classrooms remain spaces where all students, regardless of their faith, feel welcomed.”
Democratic lawmakers in Texas have also voiced their opposition. Senator Sarah Eckhardt criticized the proposal as a distraction from more pressing educational concerns, such as school funding.
Is Texas set to pass the bill?
With strong Republican control in the Texas Legislature, the bill could see smoother progress than in previous years. Governor Greg Abbott has already signaled support, stating, “Let’s do it,” in a social media post referencing the proposed legislation. However, the measure is likely to face legal challenges if enacted, potentially bringing the issue before the US Supreme Court once again.
As Texas lawmakers push forward, the nation watches closely. The debate over the Ten Commandments in public schools is far from settled, and its implications could reshape the legal landscape surrounding religious expression in education for years to come.