Texas Classrooms Will Have 10 Commandments on Display
July 31, 2025 – Senate Bill 10 mandates that all Texas public school classrooms display the Ten Commandments on a 16-by-20-inch poster that is clearly legible and visible. Schools are not required to spend public funds to comply with the law, they are permitted to purchase or print the posters if they choose. Posters, that comply with requirements, can be donated as well.
Numerous legal challenges have been brought against SB 10. Several organization have pledged to fight the bill to the bitter end. As of the date of publication, school districts across Texas are required to comply with SB 10.
Supporters of the bill argue that the Ten Commandments reflect foundational moral principles and that the display supports a historical and cultural connection to American legal and educational traditions. They view the measure as a reinforcement of values and discipline in schools.
Texas Senate Bill 10 (SB 10) requires the Texas Attorney General to defend any school district facing lawsuits related to the bill. This means that if a school district is sued for complying with the law, which mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms, the Attorney General’s office will represent them in court and cover the legal costs.
Opponents, however, raise concerns about the separation of church and state. Critics argue that the requirement may infringe on religious freedom by promoting a specific religious text in a public, government-funded setting. Legal challenges are likely, especially from civil liberties organizations questioning the constitutionality of the mandate.
The text of the poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments described by Subsection (a) of the bill must read as follows:
“The Ten Commandments
I AM the LORD thy God.
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Thou shalt not make to thyself any graven images.
Thou shalt not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
Thou shalt not kill.
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Thou shalt not steal.
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maid servant, nor his cattle, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s.”
Required commandments text taken directly from SB 10.
