San Antonio, December 3, 2025
A class-action lawsuit has been filed by 18 families in Texas challenging Senate Bill 10, which mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. The plaintiffs, represented by various civil rights organizations, argue that the law violates First Amendment rights. A preliminary injunction has been issued to remove existing displays, but Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton intends to enforce the law. The ongoing legal battle highlights significant issues regarding the separation of church and state in education.
San Antonio, Texas – December 3, 2025
San Antonio families have filed a class-action lawsuit seeking to prevent the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms across Texas. This legal action challenges Senate Bill 10, which mandates that all public schools in the state display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. The lawsuit argues that the law infringes upon the First Amendment rights of students and their families.
The class-action lawsuit, filed on December 2, 2025, includes 18 multifaith and nonreligious families from various Texas communities. They are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas, the ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation. The plaintiffs contend that Senate Bill 10 violates both the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment, which protect against government establishment of religion and safeguard individuals’ rights to freely exercise their religious beliefs.
U.S. District Judge Orlando L. Garcia issued a preliminary injunction on November 18, 2025, requiring certain public school districts in Texas to remove Ten Commandments displays by December 1, 2025, and prohibiting them from posting new displays. The injunction applied to 15 Texas families who sued public school districts, including Conroe Independent School District (ISD), arguing that the requirement interfered with their religious freedoms. Judge Garcia stated that displaying the Ten Commandments on the wall of a public-school classroom as set forth in Senate Bill 10 violates the Establishment Clause. He added, “It is impractical, if not impossible, to prevent Plaintiffs from being subjected to unwelcome religious displays without enjoining Defendants from enforcing S.B. 10 across their districts.”
Despite these legal challenges, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has expressed his intent to “vigorously enforce” Senate Bill 10. His office has filed lawsuits against school districts, including Leander ISD and Round Rock ISD, for failing to display the Ten Commandments as required by the law. Paxton’s office argues that the displays are a reflection of the state’s legal and moral heritage and that the law is constitutional.
The legal battles over Senate Bill 10 are ongoing, with appeals and further court decisions expected in the coming months. The outcome of these cases will have significant implications for the separation of church and state in Texas public schools and the rights of students and families to be free from government-imposed religious displays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Senate Bill 10?
Senate Bill 10 is a Texas law that requires all public schools in the state to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. The law was enacted in June 2025 and took effect on September 1, 2025.
Why are families suing over Senate Bill 10?
Families are suing because they believe the law violates the First Amendment rights of students and their families, specifically the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause, which protect against government establishment of religion and safeguard individuals’ rights to freely exercise their religious beliefs.
What has been the response from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton?
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has expressed his intent to “vigorously enforce” Senate Bill 10. His office has filed lawsuits against school districts, including Leander ISD and Round Rock ISD, for failing to display the Ten Commandments as required by the law.
What is the current status of the legal challenges to Senate Bill 10?
The legal challenges are ongoing, with appeals and further court decisions expected in the coming months. A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction requiring certain public school districts in Texas to remove Ten Commandments displays by December 1, 2025, and prohibiting them from posting new displays.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Law Involved | Senate Bill 10, requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in all Texas public school classrooms. |
| Legal Action | Class-action lawsuit filed by 18 multifaith and nonreligious families challenging the law’s constitutionality. |
| Judicial Response | Preliminary injunction issued by U.S. District Judge Orlando L. Garcia, requiring certain school districts to remove Ten Commandments displays by December 1, 2025. |
| State’s Position | Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office has filed lawsuits against school districts for failing to comply with the law, asserting its constitutionality. |
| Current Status | Ongoing legal proceedings with appeals and further court decisions expected in the coming months. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Federal Court Rules Senate Bill 12 Unconstitutional in Texas
Federal Judge Orders Removal of Ten Commandments from Texas Classrooms
New Texas Law Mandates Display of Ten Commandments in Schools
Texas House Advances Controversial Legislation in San Antonio
Texas Ten Commandments Law Faces Legal Challenge
San Antonio High Schools Recognized for Academic Excellence
Federal Judge Blocks Texas Law Requiring Ten Commandments Display in Schools
Texas Attorney General Sues Paper Tiger Venue
Texas Parents Challenge Law Requiring Ten Commandments in Schools
Federal Court Strikes Down Texas Law on Ten Commandments in Schools
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