The Senate agreed Wednesday to a provision the Texas House added requiring the state attorney general defend public schools in any lawsuits arising from the...
The Senate agreed Wednesday to a provision the Texas House added requiring the state attorney general defend public schools in any lawsuits arising from the proposal.Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks with the Dallas Morning News inside the Texas Governor's Mansion Feb.
3, 2025 in Austin.AUSTIN — The Ten Commandments would have to be displayed in Texas public school classrooms under legislation that is headed to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk., which includes a provision that requires the state attorney general defend public schools in any lawsuits arising from the mandate. Lawmakers have said they expect legal challenges, much like those against a similar law in Louisiana that has been blocked by courts. Supporters say students need exposure to the Ten Commandments now more than ever, but opponents argue requiring the display is an unconstitutional effort to promote a single religion over others.“Nothing is more deep-rooted in the fabric of our American tradition of education than the Ten Commandments,” Rep. Candy Noble, R-Lucas, said during the House’s debate over Memorial Day weekend. Rep. James Talarico, D-Austin — a seminary student — lamented that the legislation could drive students away from religion rather than pull them closer to it.“If the goal of this bill is to create a whole new generation of Christians, I think this bill will do the opposite,” he said. Texas public schools must conspicuously display a 16-by-20-inch durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in every classroom, according to the bill. Anyone with average vision must be able to read the text from inside the classroom. Schools without enough displays must accept any donated posters that meet the requirements. They could also purchase displays with district funds.House members debated the legislation over the holiday weekend. Democrats raised concerns about the state endorsing one faith over others while forcing teachers to explain references to adultery and slavery to young students. Republicans countered that the Ten Commandments are foundational to America and its educational and judicial systems.Supporters have said a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling cleared the way for the bill. In that case, the high court ruled that a public school football coach’s midfield prayer after games was protected by the First Amendment. That ruling also referenced a new “historical” standard to use when determining whether something violates the constitutional clause prohibiting the government from making laws “respecting an establishment of religion.” Louisiana passed its Ten Commandments law last year, but it is tied up in legal challenges. And last week, thein public schools for students and staff and another proposal protecting school employees’ right to engage in religious speech or prayer while on duty.Nolan covers Texas politics. Before relocating to Austin in June 2024, he spent nearly a decade in Washington, D.C., reporting on national politics, including the White House, Congress and presidential campaigns. He is a graduate of Florida A&M University.
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