Paxton Orders Texas Schools to Display Ten Commandments, Despite Ongoing Court Battles

TEXAS — Attorney General Ken Paxton has directed all Texas Independent School Districts (ISDs) not currently under federal injunction to comply with Senate Bill 10 (SB 10) by displaying the Ten Commandments in every classroom beginning September 1, 2025.

In a statement issued last week, Paxton emphasized the measure as part of America’s “legal, moral, and historical heritage,” vowing to defend the statute against challenges. “The woke radicals seeking to erase our nation’s history will be defeated. I will not back down from defending the virtues and values that built this country,” Paxton said.

Law Requirements

SB 10 mandates that every public elementary and secondary school classroom in Texas display a poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments that meets specific requirements under the Texas Education Code:

• Minimum size: 16x20 inches

• Format: Durable poster or framed copy

• Content: Only the exact text of the Ten Commandments (no images or additional wording)

• Legibility: Large enough to be read clearly across a classroom

Schools are not required to purchase displays, but they must accept and post any privately donated copies that meet the law’s specifications.

Litigation and Exempt Districts

The law immediately drew lawsuits. On August 20, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking SB 10’s enforcement in 11 school districts, including Houston ISD, Fort Bend ISD, Austin ISD, and several others. Those districts are temporarily exempt from displaying the commandments while the case proceeds. Paxton has appealed the ruling.

All other Texas ISDs — including those in Deep East Texas — are currently required to comply with SB 10.

What’s Next

Paxton’s office said it will monitor compliance in coordination with the Texas Education Agency and pledged that the state will defend school districts against legal challenges tied to the law.

The order has sparked ongoing debate, balancing questions of religious liberty, education policy, and constitutional rights — a conversation that will almost certainly continue in courtrooms and classrooms alike.