Texas Judge Orders Removal of Ten Commandments Displays in Schools

In a significant ruling for religious freedom, a Texas federal judge has ordered the removal of Ten Commandments displays in public schools. The preliminary injunction mandates that certain school districts eliminate these displays by December 1, 2025. Additionally, the ruling prohibits any new displays from being installed.

Details of the Ruling

The decision follows a lawsuit filed on September 22, 2023, by a coalition of 15 multifaith and nonreligious families. These families have children currently attending the affected school districts. U.S. District Judge Orlando L. Garcia stated that the presence of the Ten Commandments in public schools violates the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution.

Background on the Case

• Case Name: Cribbs Ringer v. Comal Independent School District
• Previous Order: Judge Fred Biery deemed a similar Texas law unconstitutional in a separate case, Rabbi Nathan v. Alamo Heights ISD.
• Law Involved: S.B. 10, which mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in schools.

The judge emphasized that continued implementation of the law would expose students to unwelcome religious displays. This ruling builds upon earlier decisions aiming to reinforce the separation of church and state within educational environments.

Reactions from Plaintiffs and Organizations

Represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, plaintiffs expressed relief over the decision. Lenee Bien-Willner, one of the plaintiffs, noted that her children—few of whom are Jewish—will no longer face continuous exposure to religious displays in their schools. She asserted that such matters should be determined by families, not the government.

• Chloe Kempf, ACLU of Texas staff attorney: Emphasized that schools should focus on education instead of religious indoctrination.
• Daniel Mach, ACLU director: Highlighted that the ruling reinforces the Constitution’s protections against forced religious practices in public schools.
• Rachel Laser, CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State: Urged all Texas public school districts to acknowledge the ruling and respect students’ rights.
• Sam Grover, Freedom From Religion Foundation senior counsel: Criticized the law that led to this situation, affirming it’s unconstitutional to impose religion on students.

Implications for Texas School Districts

This injunction specifically addresses school districts involved in the lawsuit, but it serves as a warning to all Texas districts regarding their obligations under the Constitution. Every school must respect the rights of families and students when it comes to religious matters.

The ruling illustrates a crucial aspect of Texas law, reaffirming the boundaries between governance and individual religious choices. Schools are reminded to maintain a secular environment free of religious displays, thereby safeguarding the constitutional rights of all students.