Fact Check: Texas Law Mandates Specific Ten Commandments Version for Classrooms
What We Know
In May 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 10, which requires public schools in Texas to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. The law mandates that the display must be a poster sized at least 16 by 20 inches, and it cannot include any text other than the specific language laid out in the bill. No other similar posters may be displayed in the classroom (Texas Tribune, Politico). This law is part of a broader trend in several conservative states to increase the presence of religious texts in public education, despite ongoing debates about the separation of church and state.
The bill passed the Texas Senate with a vote of 28-3 and the House with a vote of 82-46, despite significant opposition from various groups who argued that it could send a message of exclusion to students of different faiths (Texas Tribune). Critics, including civil rights advocates and some lawmakers, expressed concerns about the implications of such a law on religious freedom and the educational environment (Texas Tribune, KHOU).
Analysis
The claim that Texas law mandates a specific version of the Ten Commandments for classrooms is substantiated by the text of Senate Bill 10, which explicitly outlines the requirements for the display. The law's passage reflects a significant shift towards integrating religious elements into public education, a move that has faced legal challenges in other states, such as Louisiana, where a similar law was struck down for violating the separation of church and state (Texas Tribune, CS Monitor).
Supporters of the law argue that the Ten Commandments are foundational to American law and ethics, while opponents contend that the law could alienate non-Christian students and infringe on their rights (Texas Tribune, Politico). The law's critics also highlight that it could prompt discussions in classrooms that are not age-appropriate, raising concerns about the appropriateness of religious instruction in public schools (Texas Tribune).
The reliability of the sources reporting on this law is high, as they include established news organizations that provide comprehensive coverage of legislative actions and their implications. However, it is essential to consider the potential biases in how different outlets frame the discussion around the law, particularly concerning religious freedom and education.
Conclusion
The claim that Texas law mandates a specific version of the Ten Commandments for classrooms is True. The law requires public schools to display the Ten Commandments in a specific format, reflecting a legislative push to incorporate religious elements into the educational system. This move has sparked significant debate regarding the implications for students of diverse faiths and the principle of separation of church and state.
Sources
- Ten Commandments in every classroom: Texas bill becomes law | The Texas Tribune
- New Texas law requires 10 Commandments to be posted in every public school classroom | Politico
- Texas schools must display Ten Commandments in classrooms thanks to a new law | KHOU
- New Texas law mandates Ten Commandments in public schools. Next stop | CS Monitor
