Court Allows Ten Commandments In Texas Public Schools
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Houston: On April 21–22, 2026 the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Texas may require the Bible's Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms under Senate Bill 10, reversing a lower court decision and concluding the mandate does not impose a substantial burden on plaintiffs' free exercise rights.
The decision, issued in a 120-page opinion in New Orleans, allows schools in Texas to post the text and has drawn immediate reaction: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton praised the ruling as a victory, while the ACLU and multifaith families announced plans to seek review by the U.S. Supreme Court and continue litigation this year.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Texas enacts Senate Bill 10 requiring Ten Commandments in classrooms.
- 2. Sixteen multifaith families file Rabbi Nathan v. Alamo Heights ISD challenging SB10 in federal court.
- 3. A federal district court rules in favor of the plaintiffs.
- 4. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issues a 120-page decision on April 21–22, 2026 reversing the district court.
- 5. Civil liberties groups, including the ACLU, announce intentions to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Why it matters
This ruling affects your child's education in Texas. If you're a parent, you might see the Ten Commandments displayed in your child's classroom. If you're from a multifaith family, this could raise concerns about religious freedom in public schools.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
