Full Breakdown
Texas Families File Class Action Lawsuit Against Ten Commandments Displays in Schools
12/4/2025, 4:55:10 AM
Overview of the Legal Challenge
A class action lawsuit has been filed by a group of 18 multifaith and nonreligious families in Texas, aiming to block public school districts from displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms. This lawsuit, known as Ashby v. Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District, was initiated in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas and is a response to Senate Bill 10, which mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom. The lawsuit targets 16 school districts, including Argyle, Birdville, Carroll, Hurst-Euless-Bedford, Prosper, Richardson, and Wylie ISDs.
Background and Context
Senate Bill 10 was passed by the Texas Legislature earlier this year, leading to significant controversy and legal challenges. The law has already faced two previous lawsuits, resulting in federal judges ruling it unconstitutional in specific districts. Despite these rulings, some school districts not involved in the earlier lawsuits have begun displaying the Ten Commandments, prompting the need for this new class action.
Key Figures and Organizations
The plaintiffs are represented by several civil rights organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas and the Freedom From Religion Foundation. ACLU attorney Chloe Kempf stated, “The courts are clear that forcing displays of the Ten Commandments on Texas students is unconstitutional. Yet Texas school districts won’t stop. Enough is enough.” The Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton, has been actively enforcing the law, instructing school districts to comply unless a court has ordered otherwise.
Legal Proceedings and Implications
The new lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction against any school district not already involved in litigation over Senate Bill 10. The plaintiffs argue that the First Amendment prohibits public schools from displaying the Ten Commandments, asserting that such actions infringe on the religious freedoms of students and families. The class action is viewed as a necessary step to protect the rights of all public school children across Texas, given the state’s large number of school districts.
Criticism and Opposition
Supporters of the Ten Commandments displays, including some conservative and religious groups, argue that the Ten Commandments are foundational to the U.S. judicial and educational systems. They contend that displaying the commandments in classrooms is a reflection of the nation’s heritage and values. However, critics maintain that such displays violate the principle of separation of church and state, emphasizing that religious beliefs should not be imposed on students by government entities.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While two federal judges have ruled against the constitutionality of Senate Bill 10, the ongoing litigation has resulted in mixed responses from various school districts. Some districts have complied with court orders to remove displays, while others have continued to display the Ten Commandments, leading to confusion and inconsistency in enforcement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Religious liberty belongs to all public school students and families, not just those who embrace some government officials’ preferred Scripture.” — Chloe Kempf, ACLU of Texas
- “Forcing the Ten Commandments on my kids is indoctrination, undermines my right to guide their beliefs, and perpetuates the feelings of exclusion that our ancestors knew all too well.” — Mari Gottlieb, Plaintiff
This class action lawsuit represents a significant legal challenge to the enforcement of Senate Bill 10 and highlights the ongoing debate over the role of religion in public education in Texas.
