Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, public school students in Texas will see the Ten Commandments displayed in every classroom—a move that has stirred debate across legal, religious, and political lines. For Catholics and other believers, the decision may signal a renewed effort to reintroduce faith-based values into public life. But others see it as a direct challenge to the U.S. Constitution’s protections on religious freedom.
Governor Greg Abbott signed the law on June 21, mandating that “a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments” be placed in a “conspicuous” location in every public elementary and secondary school classroom. Each display must be at least 16 inches by 20 inches and feature a legible typeface “from anywhere in the classroom,” according to the legislation.
State Rep. Candy Noble, who brought the bill to the House, explained its intent: “The focus of this bill is to look at what is historically important to our nation educationally and judicially,” she said. The bill, authored by Sen. Phil King, passed the Texas Senate in March with a 20–11 vote and received final approval on May 28 with a 21–10 vote.
The law prescribes exact wording for the Ten Commandments, beginning with, “I AM the LORD thy God,” a phrasing familiar to many Christians and Jews, and recognized in Catholic teaching as the beginning of God’s moral law revealed on Mount Sinai.
While the law allows schools to accept privately donated posters and does not require them to use public funds, it also provides legal backing for any school that faces lawsuits. “The attorney general will defend any school facing legal action over compliance with the law,” the legislation reads, adding that the state will cover “expenses, costs, judgments, or settlements.”
Catholic parents may find encouragement in another related bill signed by Abbott that “allows schools to adopt a policy allowing students and employees to participate in daily, voluntary period of prayer and reading of religious texts.”
However, the law is already facing fierce opposition. The ACLU, joined by Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Freedom From Religion Foundation, announced plans to file suit. They argue the legislation is “blatantly unconstitutional” and “a violation of students’ and parents’ First Amendment rights.”
Some Christian and Jewish leaders have also spoken out against the measure. In a letter to lawmakers sent in March, they wrote, “Government oversteps its authority when it dictates an official state-approved version of any religious text.”
Texas is not alone in attempting to integrate religious elements into public education. Similar laws have emerged in Louisiana and Arkansas, but not without setbacks. The Louisiana law was blocked by a federal appeals court, and the Arkansas law is currently under legal challenge.
For Catholics who recognize the Ten Commandments as central to the moral life and catechesis, this development raises both opportunities and questions. It invites faithful citizens to consider how religious heritage can be affirmed in public life while respecting the pluralism of American society. As the new law goes into effect on September 1, the balance between religious expression and constitutional rights will once again be tested—this time, in the classrooms of Texas.
