Texas Schools Face Backlash Over New Ten Commandments Mandate

In Texas, a new law mandating the posting of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms has prompted significant controversy and led to the resignation of educators. High school theater teacher Gigi Cervantes decided to leave her position rather than impose what she viewed as religious doctrine on her students. “I just was not going to be a part of forcing or imposing religious doctrine onto my students,” she stated.

The law, which took effect in September 2023, has initiated the largest attempt in the United States to display the Ten Commandments in public schools. As schools scramble to comply with this Republican-led mandate, many districts are grappling with difficult decisions. Federal courts have intervened, ordering over two dozen of Texas’s nearly 1,200 school districts not to hang the posters. A recent ruling emphasized that the mandate violates First Amendment protections, which guarantee religious liberty and prevent government endorsement of religion.

Despite legal challenges, several Texas schools are progressing with implementation. In a notable example, officials in the Frisco Independent School District spent approximately $1,800 to print nearly 5,000 posters, even though the law stipulates that schools must only display donated posters. In contrast, some districts report having no posters available to display.

The law mandates that the Ten Commandments be placed in a “conspicuous place” within classrooms, with specific requirements for size and visibility. For example, the displays must measure 16 inches wide by 20 inches tall (40 centimeters by 50 centimeters). In an effort to balance the requirements, the Hays Consolidated Independent School District has opted to hang copies of the U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights alongside the Ten Commandments.

School districts find themselves in a challenging position. Elizabeth Beeton, a member of the Galveston Independent School District’s school board, remarked, “Districts are in between a rock and a hard place.” The Galveston board voted against posting the commandments until the law’s constitutionality is determined, only to become the target of a lawsuit from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Support for the Ten Commandments in schools is strong among some community members. In suburban Dallas, Lorne Liechty, an attorney and Rockwall County commissioner, spearheaded a fundraising effort to donate posters to the Rockwall Independent School District. He believes the commandments provide essential moral guidance. “These are just really good guides for human behavior,” Liechty said.

Concerns are also rising among educators regarding the implications of this law. Teachers have expressed uncertainty about the consequences of refusing to display the commandments and whether they can showcase tenets from other religions. Julie Leahy, director of legal services for the Texas Classroom Teachers Association, stated that educators are seeking clarity on how to address students’ inquiries about the displays.

The emotional climate surrounding the Ten Commandments has affected students as well. Madison Creed, a 16-year-old student from Carthage, Texas, noted that the posting of the commandments sparked heated discussions among her peers, highlighting the division of opinions on the matter. “I know talking to a lot of my peers and my classmates that a lot of us don’t agree with it, but there is the other portion of the school that does,” she remarked.

The situation has also led to resignations among educators. Band director Johnnie Cotton publicly announced his departure, asserting that “politics and religion have no place in the public schools.” His resignation resonated with students like Creed, who appreciated his courage to stand by his principles.

Cervantes, who resigned from her role at the Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, voiced her concerns about the law infringing on her students’ First Amendment rights. Reflecting on her decision, she remarked, “I don’t want to be any part of that.” Her students presented her with a signed cast photograph as a gesture of appreciation, indicating their respect for her stance.

As Texas navigates the implications of this law, the debate over the Ten Commandments in public schools is far from settled. The legal battles and community discussions surrounding this mandate will likely continue, with potential implications reaching the U.S. Supreme Court in the near future.