Ten Commandments Posters in Texas Schools: Donations Surge Amid SB 10 Lawsuits and District Delays

Introduction

In a wave of activity following the enactment of Texas Senate Bill 10 (SB 10), parents, lawmakers, and national evangelical organizations have donated thousands of Ten Commandments posters to public schools across the state. This new law requires Texas public schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms if posters are donated, aiming to highlight their historical and moral significance in American founding principles. However, not all districts are complying immediately. For instance, in Round Rock Independent School District (ISD), parents delivered 170 posters to Cedar Ridge High School, yet they remain in storage due to pending litigation.

This development sparks debates on the role of religious displays in public education, constitutionality under the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause, and the balance between state mandates and federal court orders. As donations exceed 6,400 posters in Central Texas alone, understanding SB 10’s requirements, donor motivations, and district responses is essential for parents, educators, and policymakers.

Analysis

SB 10, effective in 2025, mandates that Texas public schools display a poster containing the Ten Commandments in every classroom upon donation, without requiring district funds. The poster must include the biblical text alongside historical context from early U.S. leaders. Donations began swiftly, even before the law’s full implementation.

Key Donors and Their Scale

Local parents like Christie Slape, affiliated with Moms for Liberty in Williamson County, coordinated the purchase and delivery of 170 posters to Cedar Ridge High School on September 11, 2025. Slape emphasized the posters as a “visual reminder” of the nation’s foundational principles. Similarly, a teacher in Round Rock ISD donated 30 posters, while Bastrop ISD received nearly 900 from anonymous individuals.

Larger contributions came from organized groups. Citizens Defending Freedom, a nonprofit advocating for religion in schools, donated over 13,000 posters statewide, including 1,500 to Georgetown ISD and 1,350 to Allen ISD. State Sen. Adam Hinojosa (R-Corpus Christi), a co-author of SB 10, facilitated donations covering every classroom in his district with assistance from this group. Other entities include My Faith Votes and Million Voices, linked to Vision America Mobilized, which donated 2,550 posters to Hays CISD. Restore American Schools reported impacting nearly 4,800 Texas schools, potentially reaching 3.1 million students.

District Responses Vary

While some districts like Allen ISD and Hays CISD have posted the donations next to the Bill of Rights, others hesitate. Frisco ISD used $1,800 in district funds for 4,000 posters, prompting an ACLU lawsuit. Liberty Hill ISD displayed over 100 from a local pastor. These actions align with SB 10’s no-cost mandate but highlight diverse interpretations amid legal uncertainties.

Summary

Texas Senate Bill 10 has triggered a surge in Ten Commandments poster donations to public schools, with over 6,400 in 14 Central Texas districts alone. Proponents view them as passive historical displays promoting moral values. However, federal lawsuits challenge their constitutionality, leading to court injunctions and ACLU warnings. Districts not involved in suits face pressure from Attorney General Ken Paxton to comply, while others store posters pending judicial clarity. This standoff underscores tensions between state law, federal oversight, and religious freedom in education.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For parents interested in donating Ten Commandments posters under SB 10:

• Contact your school’s principal or district administration to inquire about classroom counts and donation processes, as Slape did via email.
• Ensure posters meet SB 10 specifications: include the King James Version text, dimensions of at least 16×20 inches, and historical references from U.S. founders.
• Coordinate with groups like Citizens Defending Freedom for bulk support if individual efforts are limited.

For school districts:

• Document all donations meticulously for compliance records.
• Consult legal counsel before displaying, especially if not party to ongoing suits.
• Store posters securely if delaying display, communicating transparently with donors and families.

Educators can frame discussions pedagogically, using posters to teach about Judeo-Christian influences on U.S. law without endorsing religion.

Points of Caution

While SB 10 provides a framework, several risks persist:

• Litigation Exposure: Displaying posters may invite lawsuits from groups like the ACLU, claiming violation of the Establishment Clause, as seen in Frisco and Georgetown ISDs.
• Inconsistent Guidance: Districts face conflicting directives—federal injunctions for some, Paxton’s enforcement threats for others—creating uncertainty.
• Resource Drain: Legal battles divert funds from education, as Round Rock ISD noted potential “overwhelming waste.”
• Community Division: Displays may alienate non-Christian families; faith leaders like Rev. Dr. Josh Robinson caution against perceived coercion without contextual teaching.
• Pending Appeals: The Fifth Circuit Court may rule soon, altering obligations.

Comparison

Compliant Districts vs. Holdouts

Compliant districts prioritize state law, risking federal challenges, while holdouts emphasize caution to protect resources, potentially facing state enforcement.

Legal Implications

SB 10’s mandate intersects with the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause, prohibiting government endorsement of religion. Plaintiffs in the federal suit against 11 districts argue displays coerce students into religious observance, citing Supreme Court precedents like Stone v. Graham (1980), which struck down a similar Kentucky law.

Judge Fred Biery’s injunction binds only named districts. ACLU attorney Sarah Corning asserts federal law deems such displays unconstitutional. Conversely, AG Paxton argues the injunction is narrow, vowing to defend compliant districts and pursue non-compliers. No penalties have been specified yet, but his office promises protection against suits.

Broader implications include potential Fifth Circuit appeals, Supreme Court review, and impacts on similar laws in states like Louisiana. Districts risk taxpayer-funded defenses, emphasizing the need for verifiable historical framing to withstand scrutiny.

Conclusion

The rapid donation of Ten Commandments posters to Texas public schools under SB 10 reflects strong support for integrating moral and historical teachings into education. Yet, ongoing lawsuits and judicial injunctions have created a patchwork of compliance, with districts like Round Rock ISD opting for caution amid ACLU threats and Paxton’s pressures. Donors such as Christie Slape and groups like Citizens Defending Freedom frame this as a non-coercive nod to America’s roots, while critics warn of divisiveness.

As courts deliberate, this issue highlights enduring debates on religion in public spaces. Stakeholders should monitor Fifth Circuit developments for clarity on displaying Ten Commandments posters in Texas schools. Ultimately, transparent communication and legal adherence will guide resolution, ensuring education remains a unifying force.

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