Texas senators are once again putting out proposals that would require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every classroom and institute prayer periods as part of a renewed effort to incorporate traditional religious practices into public schools. These plans have reignited a long-simmering debate over the separation of church and state in public education, which has been exacerbated by the conservative shift in both legislative chambers.
State Senator Phil King is advocating for reintroducing a bill (Senate Bill 10) that would require every public elementary and secondary school classroom to display a framed copy or poster of the Ten Commandments. This would involve a standardized display—legible, conspicuous, and set in a defined size—that advocates argue underscores the historical and moral foundations of American law and society.
King stated, “The Ten Commandments are part of our Texas and American story. They remind our students of the values that have shaped our nation.” Critics, however, contend that such a mandate risks alienating non‑Christian students and could be perceived as an endorsement of one religious tradition over others.
At the same time, State Senator Mayes Middleton (R‑Galveston) has filed a separate measure—Senate Bill 11—that would empower school districts to designate a period during the school day for prayer and Bible reading. Under this proposal, participation would be entirely voluntary, with students needing parental consent to take part. “Our schools are not God‑free zones,” Middleton mentioned in his statement announcing the bill. “This measure is about giving students and educators the freedom to express their faith if they choose.” Similar legislation has been introduced previously, including efforts by State Representative David Spiller, who recently filed prayer legislation in the Texas House.
Reported in a FOX 4 News’ coverage of the Texas Legislature Spiller noted, “We spend so much time doing things; a short period for prayer over reading the Bible is not a bad thing,” emphasizing that the initiative is designed to offer an optional moment of reflection rather than impose a religious practice on all.
Legal experts anticipate that both proposals will face serious judicial challenges if enacted. Constitutional law professor Josh Blackman of the South Texas College of Law remarked, “The legal landscape is shifting, and while programs like this may be more likely to survive scrutiny, any requirement—especially one mandating the display of the Ten Commandments—will inevitably be tested under the Establishment Clause.” Blackman cited previous rulings from the Supreme Court that have, in certain situations, relaxed limits on the right to practice one’s religion in public. However, he issued a warning, noting that earlier decisions, such Stone v. Graham (1980), which invalidated comparable requirements in public schools, established a precedent that might be challenging to reverse.
The arguments around the Texas proposals are set within a wider debate at national level. In Louisiana, there is a comparable law which requires that the Ten Commandments be taught in public schools, which the governor signed last summer, and was then met with legal challenges from many and a temporary order from a federal judge.
Supporters claim that they are trying to bring back what they consider as lost cultural heritage, while opponents argue that those measures undermine the secular nature of public schooling by many.
High‑profile endorsements have enlivened the Texas legislative effort. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has made both the Ten Commandments display bill and the prayer period measure priorities for the session. His vocal endorsement fit together with a broader trend among Texas Republicans to revisit issues that reinforce their cultural and moral agenda. Gov. Greg Abbott has similarly praised efforts that he says “bring our schools back to the basics” and reaffirm the state’s historical values.
Yet, the proposals are far from universally embraced. Progressive advocacy groups, such as the Texas Freedom Network, warn that mandating religious symbols in public schools violates the constitutional principle of church‑state separation. Critics argue that by privileging Judeo‑Christian tenets, the bills risk marginalizing students from diverse religious backgrounds and undermining the inclusive nature of public education. “Forcing public schools to display the Ten Commandments and explicitly allowing school staff to encourage prayer transforms our schools from inclusive educational spaces into institutions that promote specific religious beliefs,” said Levi Fiedler, political coordinator for the advocacy group.
For now, the fate of these proposals remains uncertain — no hearing dates have been set. But the conservative majority in the Texas Legislature seems to be feeling inclined to revisit such issues — a move that could potentially allow bills to advance in both chambers, then be upended later in the judicial process.
