Fact Check: Texas Law Mandates a 16-by-20-Inch Display of the Ten Commandments in Classrooms
What We Know
In June 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a law requiring all public school classrooms in the state to display the Ten Commandments. This law mandates that the display must be at least 16 inches wide and 20 inches tall, as specified in Senate Bill 10 (Texas Tribune, AP News). The law is part of a broader trend in several conservative states to increase the presence of religious texts in public schools. Supporters argue that the Ten Commandments are historically significant to the United States' legal and educational systems, while opponents claim it violates the constitutional separation of church and state (AP News, Politico).
Analysis
The claim that Texas law mandates a 16-by-20-inch display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms is accurate. The text of Senate Bill 10 explicitly states the size requirement for the display (Texas Legislature). The passage of this law was facilitated by a Republican majority in both the Texas House and Senate, indicating strong political support for the measure (AP News).
However, the law is expected to face legal challenges. Critics, including various religious leaders and civil rights organizations, argue that it infringes upon the religious freedoms of students from diverse backgrounds who may not adhere to the Christian faith. A similar law in Louisiana was ruled unconstitutional, which raises questions about the potential legal ramifications for Texas (Texas Tribune, AP News).
The sources used in this analysis are credible, with AP News and Texas Tribune being well-respected news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. The legislative text from the Texas Legislature is an official document, providing authoritative evidence regarding the law's provisions.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Texas law mandates a 16-by-20-inch display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms is confirmed by the text of Senate Bill 10 and supported by multiple reliable news sources. The law's passage reflects a significant shift in educational policy in Texas, although it is likely to face substantial legal challenges regarding its constitutionality.
