Paxton Wins Another Battle for Ten Commandments in School
April 20, 2026 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a legal victory this week as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit upheld Senate Bill 10, clearing the way for the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms across the state.
In a statement following the ruling, Paxton called the decision “a major victory for Texas and our moral values,” emphasizing his office’s role in defending the law. “My office was proud to defend SB 10 and successfully ensure that the Ten Commandments will be displayed in classrooms across Texas,” he said. “The Ten Commandments have had a profound impact on our nation, and it’s important that students learn from them every single day.”
SB 10, passed by Texas lawmakers, requires public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments, a directive that quickly drew legal challenges from opponents who argued the measure violates constitutional protections regarding the separation of church and state. The case advanced rapidly through the courts, culminating in a rare full-court, or en banc, hearing before the Fifth Circuit.
Paxton’s office had previously secured that en banc review, allowing all active judges on the court to consider the case rather than a smaller panel. In its decision, the court determined that the law can take effect, effectively allowing schools statewide to begin implementing the requirement.
Supporters of the measure argue that the Ten Commandments are a foundational historical text that has influenced American legal and cultural traditions. They contend that displaying them in classrooms is consistent with educational goals and reflects longstanding values embedded in the nation’s history.
Critics, however, maintain that the law crosses constitutional boundaries by promoting a specific religious doctrine in public education settings. Legal analysts note that disputes over religious displays in schools have been a recurring issue in U.S. courts, often hinging on interpretations of the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause.
The Fifth Circuit’s ruling is likely to have broader implications beyond Texas, as similar proposals have surfaced in other states. While the decision allows SB 10 to move forward, opponents may still seek further review, potentially setting the stage for consideration by the Supreme Court of the United States.
For now, Texas school districts are expected to begin preparing for compliance with the law, marking a significant development in the ongoing national debate over religion’s role in public education.
