U.S. Supreme Court asked to review Texas law mandating display of Ten Commandments in public schools

Civil rights advocates have requested the U.S. Supreme Court to review a Texas law that mandates public schools to display the Ten Commandments. This request follows a split decision by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which upheld the law in a 9-8 ruling. The law requires classrooms to display a version of the Ten Commandments selected from the King James Bible. Over two dozen Texas families, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and other organizations, argue that the law violates First Amendment principles regarding the separation of church and state. The families' attorneys stated that imposing scripture on children for extended periods raises significant constitutional concerns. The 5th Circuit's decision reversed a lower court ruling that had prevented several Texas school districts from displaying the posters. The law was signed by Republican Governor Greg Abbott and took effect in September 2025. Conservative groups have begun providing posters to schools in compliance with the law. The 5th Circuit also noted that no child is required to recite or affirm the Commandments. Similar laws have been enacted in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Alabama.