Fact Check: Nearly 6 million Texas students affected by Ten Commandments law.

Fact Check: Nearly 6 million Texas students affected by Ten Commandments law

What We Know

In May 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a law requiring all public school classrooms in the state to display the Ten Commandments. This legislation, known as Texas Senate Bill 10, mandates that schools post a framed or poster-sized version of the Ten Commandments, measuring at least 16 inches by 20 inches, in a clearly visible location within classrooms (AP News, Wikipedia). The law is significant as it positions Texas as the largest state to implement such a requirement, affecting nearly 6 million students across about 9,100 public schools in the state (NPR, Los Angeles Times).

The law has drawn criticism and is expected to face legal challenges from various groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, who argue that it violates the separation of church and state as outlined in the First Amendment (Wikipedia, CBS News). Critics, including numerous faith leaders, contend that the law infringes on the religious freedoms of students from diverse backgrounds who may not adhere to the Ten Commandments (AP News, Wikipedia).

Analysis

The claim that nearly 6 million Texas students are affected by the Ten Commandments law is substantiated by multiple reputable sources. The Texas public school system indeed serves approximately 6 million students, which aligns with the figures reported by both the Associated Press and the Los Angeles Times (AP News, Los Angeles Times).

The law's passage has been characterized as part of a broader trend among conservative-led states to incorporate religious elements into public education, which raises significant constitutional questions. The reliability of the sources reporting on this issue is high, as they include established news organizations and legal analyses that provide context and detail about the implications of the law (NPR, Wikipedia).

However, it is essential to recognize that while the law has been enacted, its implementation may be delayed or altered due to anticipated legal challenges. Similar laws in other states, such as Louisiana, have faced judicial scrutiny and have been blocked by federal courts (Wikipedia). This context is crucial when evaluating the potential impact of the law on students.

Conclusion

The claim that nearly 6 million Texas students are affected by the Ten Commandments law is True. The law's requirement for public schools to display the Ten Commandments directly impacts a significant number of students, as confirmed by multiple credible sources. While the law is currently in effect, its future may be uncertain due to expected legal challenges.

Sources

1. New Texas law will require Ten Commandments to be ...
2. Texas Senate Bill 10 - Wikipedia
3. Texas moves closer to require the Ten Commandments in classrooms
4. Texas Law Requires 10 Commandments Be Placed in Every Classroom
5. Gov. Greg Abbott signs bill requiring Ten Commandments ...
6. Texas moves closer to mandating Ten Commandments displays in classes ...