Texas will soon require public schools across the state to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom under a controversial new law signed by Governor Greg Abbott.

According to the New York Post, the law, which easily cleared both chambers of the Republican-controlled Legislature before the session concluded on June 2, has sparked heated debate over religious freedom and constitutional boundaries, with legal challenges expected to follow.

Governor Abbott announced the bill’s signing over the weekend, making Texas the latest state where elected leaders are seeking to incorporate religious elements into public education. The new mandate specifies that all public school classrooms must hang a copy of the Ten Commandments in a visible location.

Details of Poster Size and Text Spark Debate

The law requires each classroom display to measure at least 16 by 20 inches and to contain a specific English version of the Ten Commandments. The selected text must be framed or posted in a manner easily readable by students and visitors alike.

This move follows a broader trend among some conservative-led states using legislative channels to incorporate more religious instruction or symbolism in schools. Lawmakers supporting the Texas bill argue that showcasing the Ten Commandments is about preserving historical and educational values rather than promoting a specific faith.

“The focus of this bill is to look at what is historically important to our nation educationally and judicially,” said Republican Representative Candy Noble, a co-sponsor of the measure.

Opposition From Religious and Civil Rights Groups

Opponents, including numerous faith leaders, have criticized the bill, arguing that it infringes on the religious freedoms of students from diverse backgrounds. A letter opposing the measure was signed by dozens of Christian and Jewish leaders who expressed concern for the religious liberties of the state’s youth.

The letter noted that Texas schools educate millions of students who may not share the beliefs reflected in the religious text. It also emphasized that interpretations of the Ten Commandments differ across religions and denominations, making the state's preferred version potentially exclusionary.

Critics also warn that this legal requirement potentially violates the U.S. Constitution’s establishment clause, which has long been interpreted as barring the government from endorsing any particular religion in public institutions.

Federal Court Precedents May Influence Future Challenges

Previous attempts to legally require such religious displays in public schools have faced judicial resistance. A similar law in Louisiana was struck down twice—first by a federal district judge and again by a three-judge panel from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

That same appellate panel also oversees cases from Texas, suggesting any legal challenge against the new Texas law could be heard by judges who have previously ruled against similar measures. In Louisiana’s case, State Attorney General Liz Murrell vowed to appeal the ruling up to the U.S. Supreme Court if needed.

Legal experts say opponents of the Texas law could adopt a parallel strategy, bringing the issue to federal court and eventually putting the matter before the nation’s highest bench.

Governor Abbott’s History With Religious Displays

Governor Abbott has long supported the public display of religious texts. In 2005, while serving as the state’s attorney general, he argued successfully before the U.S. Supreme Court to allow a Ten Commandments monument to remain on the Texas Capitol grounds.

This history has added a personal element to Abbott’s support for the classroom law, which he described as consistent with America’s founding principles and its judicial traditions. His administration also advanced another law recently signed, permitting a voluntary period during school hours for prayer or religious text reading.

While that measure is voluntary, the Ten Commandments display requirement is compulsory for all public school classrooms in the state.

Texas Law Covers Thousands of Schools and Students

According to state data, Texas public schools serve nearly 6 million students across approximately 9,100 campuses. Once the law takes effect, every one of these schools will need to comply with the poster requirement or risk legal consequences.

Implementing the mandate will likely involve logistical challenges and expenses, particularly for districts already stretched thin by budget constraints. School administrators may also need to balance compliance with the law and respect for community members of differing religious beliefs.

As the policy rolls out, civil rights organizations and advocates for church-state separation are expected to closely monitor its impact on students and educators across Texas.