Fact Check: Texas law requires specific 16-by-20-inch Ten Commandments display in classrooms.

Fact Check: Texas Law Requires Specific 16-by-20-inch Ten Commandments Display in Classrooms

What We Know

In 2023, the Texas legislature passed Senate Bill 10, which mandates that every public elementary and secondary school classroom display a poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments. This display must be at least 16 inches wide and 20 inches tall and must be placed in a conspicuous location within each classroom (source-1, source-2). The law specifies that the text of the Ten Commandments must be presented exactly as outlined in the bill, without any additional content (source-3). This law is part of a broader trend in Texas to increase the presence of religious texts in public schools, despite ongoing debates about the separation of church and state (source-3).

Analysis

The claim that Texas law requires a specific 16-by-20-inch display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms is substantiated by the text of Senate Bill 10. The bill clearly outlines the requirements for the display, including the dimensions and the exact text to be used (source-1). The law has been reported widely, confirming its passage and the requirements it imposes on public schools (source-2, source-5).

However, the law has faced criticism and legal challenges, particularly regarding its implications for the separation of church and state. Critics argue that such displays could alienate students of different faiths and infringe upon the constitutional principle of religious neutrality in public education (source-3). Despite these concerns, the law has been enacted and is set to take effect in the 2023-2024 school year (source-1).

Conclusion

The claim that Texas law requires a specific 16-by-20-inch display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms is True. The legislation explicitly mandates this requirement, and it has been confirmed by multiple reputable sources. While the law is controversial and may face legal challenges, the current legal framework does indeed impose this requirement on public schools in Texas.

Sources

1. 88(R) SB 1515 - Introduced version - Bill Text
2. Texas schools must display Ten Commandments in classrooms thanks to a ...
3. Ten Commandments in every classroom: Texas bill becomes law | The Texas ...
4. New Texas law will require Ten Commandments to be posted in every ...
5. Texas law will require Ten Commandments to be ... - ABC News