Austin: In a significant move underscoring the role of religious values in public life, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed a new law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom across the state. The law is set to come into effect with the 2025–2026 academic year and marks a notable intersection of education policy and religious tradition.
According to the legislation, all public elementary and secondary schools in Texas will be required to hang a poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in a clearly visible location within each classroom. The display must meet specific physical standards it must be at least 16 inches wide by 20 inches high, and the text must be easily legible from any point in the room, ensuring that every student can read it.
The bill, initially proposed by State Senator Phil King, was approved by the Texas Senate on March 19, and subsequently championed in the House by Representative Candy Noble. After much debate, it passed the House on May 25 with a vote of 82 to 46. Governor Abbott signed the measure into law on June 21, formally setting the initiative in motion.
As outlined in the law, no additional text or imagery is permitted alongside the Ten Commandments, ensuring the focus remains solely on the religious content. The exact wording of the commandments has been standardized, beginning with the declaration: “I am the Lord your God.”
The Ten Commandments, regarded as a foundational code of ethics across multiple faith traditions Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are believed to have been given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, and have been a cornerstone of moral and legal thought for centuries. Supporters of the bill argue that displaying these commandments will reinforce moral values and promote a sense of shared heritage among students.
The law will officially be implemented from September 1, coinciding with the start of the next academic year. It forms part of a broader legislative package passed during Texas’ 89th legislative session, during which Governor Abbott signed over 600 bills into law.
Among these is another notable education-related measure that permits schools to adopt policies allowing for voluntary daily prayer and scripture reading for students and staff. Although participation will not be mandatory, the law explicitly endorses religious expression in school settings a move welcomed by many faith-based groups but expected to stir debate over the separation of church and state.
Texas, a state where Christianity holds considerable influence, continues to take assertive steps to bring religious values into public institutions. While the new legislation has drawn praise from conservative and religious leaders, it is also likely to face legal scrutiny from civil rights organizations who argue that such policies risk infringing on constitutional boundaries.
As schools prepare for implementation, the state’s educational boards and school administrators now face the task of ensuring compliance with the law, sparking statewide discussions on the role of religion, tradition, and moral instruction in public education.