San Antonio, Texas, November 21, 2025
A federal judge in San Antonio has mandated the removal of Ten Commandments displays from classrooms across 14 Texas public school districts by December 1, 2025. This ruling follows a lawsuit filed by 15 families who contended that a state law requiring these displays violated the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause. U.S. District Judge Orlando L. Garcia’s decision emphasized that the law interferes with students’ religious freedoms and the principle of separation of church and state. The Texas Attorney General plans to appeal the ruling.
San Antonio Federal Judge Blocks Ten Commandments Displays in Texas Classrooms
San Antonio, Texas – A federal judge has ordered that the Ten Commandments be removed from classrooms in 14 Texas public school districts by December 1, 2025. This ruling follows a lawsuit filed by 15 families challenging the constitutionality of a state law requiring such displays.
Key Details
- Ruling Date: November 18, 2025
- Judge: U.S. District Judge Orlando L. Garcia
- Affected Districts: Fort Worth ISD, Arlington ISD, McKinney ISD, Frisco ISD, Northwest ISD, Azle ISD, Rockwall ISD, Lovejoy ISD, Mansfield ISD, Conroe ISD, Flour Bluff ISD
- Compliance Deadline: December 1, 2025
Background
The Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 10 (S.B. 10) in May 2025, mandating that all public school classrooms display the Ten Commandments. The law was set to take effect on September 1, 2025. In response, 15 families from various religious backgrounds filed a lawsuit, arguing that the law violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prohibits government endorsement of religion. The plaintiffs were represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other organizations.
In August 2025, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery issued a preliminary injunction, temporarily blocking the law in 11 school districts, including those in the San Antonio area. Judge Biery stated that the law likely violated the Establishment Clause by coercing students into religious observance and suppressing their own beliefs. He also noted the lack of a tradition of displaying the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.
Following this ruling, the Texas Attorney General’s office appealed the decision. However, the November 18 ruling by Judge Garcia extended the injunction to 14 additional school districts, requiring them to remove any existing Ten Commandments displays by December 1, 2025. The ruling emphasized that the law interfered with students’ religious freedoms and the separation of church and state.
The ACLU welcomed the ruling, stating that it upholds the constitutional rights of Texas families to practice their religion without government interference. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton expressed his intention to appeal the decision, asserting that the Ten Commandments are a cornerstone of the state’s moral and legal heritage.
Implications
This legal battle highlights the ongoing debate over the separation of church and state in public education. The case may set a precedent for similar challenges in other states and could eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court for a final resolution. In the meantime, affected school districts are required to comply with the court’s order to remove the Ten Commandments displays by the specified deadline.
Related Cases
Similar legal challenges have occurred in other states. For instance, in June 2025, a federal appeals court blocked a Louisiana law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public schools, citing constitutional concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Senate Bill 10?
Senate Bill 10 (S.B. 10) is a law passed by the Texas Legislature in May 2025, mandating that all public school classrooms display the Ten Commandments. The law was set to take effect on September 1, 2025.
Why did families file a lawsuit against S.B. 10?
The families argued that the law violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, which prohibits government endorsement of religion. They contended that the law coerced students into religious observance and suppressed their own beliefs.
What was the outcome of the lawsuit?
U.S. District Judge Orlando L. Garcia ruled that the Ten Commandments displays must be removed from classrooms in 14 Texas public school districts by December 1, 2025. The ruling emphasized that the law interfered with students’ religious freedoms and the separation of church and state.
What is the Texas Attorney General’s response?
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton expressed his intention to appeal the decision, asserting that the Ten Commandments are a cornerstone of the state’s moral and legal heritage.
Have similar cases occurred in other states?
Yes, similar legal challenges have occurred in other states. For instance, in June 2025, a federal appeals court blocked a Louisiana law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public schools, citing constitutional concerns.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Ruling Date | November 18, 2025 |
| Judge | U.S. District Judge Orlando L. Garcia |
| Affected Districts | 14 Texas public school districts |
| Compliance Deadline | December 1, 2025 |
| Background Law | Texas Senate Bill 10 (S.B. 10) |
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