Republican lawmakers in Texas are pushing forward with new bills that aim to incorporate religious principles into the state’s public schools, a move that highlights their ongoing commitment to strengthening the role of faith in education. These bills would require public schools to display the Ten Commandments prominently in classrooms and allow time for students to read the Bible, representing a continued effort to promote Christian values in schools.
According to State Senator Phil King, the Ten Commandments are an integral part of Texas’ and America’s history. “If our students don’t understand the Ten Commandments, they won’t fully grasp the foundation of much of our nation’s legal and cultural heritage,” King said. His bill reflects a desire to reconnect students with the moral principles that shaped America.
Additionally, another bill filed by Senator Mayes Middleton seeks to authorize public schools to implement a designated time for prayer and scripture reading. This initiative is designed to allow students to engage in religious activities, with parental consent, in the classroom. “Our schools are not godless institutions,” Middleton stated, emphasizing the importance of religious freedom in public life. He also thanked key leaders like President Trump and Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick for their advocacy of prayer in schools.
These proposals come after a failed attempt in 2023 to pass similar legislation, which was delayed due to time constraints. However, Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Patrick have expressed strong support for advancing this cause in the current legislative session, with Patrick citing Louisiana’s success in passing a similar law last year.
The push for displaying the Ten Commandments in schools has also sparked debates across the nation, with various states introducing similar measures. In Kentucky, for example, lawmakers have proposed a bill that would allow, but not require, schools to display the Ten Commandments. Meanwhile, Georgia’s bill would mandate placement of the commandments at key locations in public schools.
While this movement is gaining traction in Republican-controlled states like Texas, it has faced legal challenges, particularly regarding concerns over the First Amendment. In Louisiana, the law has been temporarily halted due to a lawsuit arguing that it violates parents’ rights to raise their children according to their beliefs. However, many Republicans argue that these laws are in line with the nation’s historical practices, citing a 2022 Supreme Court ruling that allowed a Washington state football coach to pray on the field. Senator King believes his bill is constitutionally sound, as it aligns with the historical and cultural values that have long shaped America.
Despite opposition from some Republicans who worry about the strength of the proposed legislation, the bills in Texas and other states are moving forward as part of a broader effort to reaffirm the role of Christianity in public life. While the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other critics warn that such measures could alienate non-religious students, many conservatives view this as a necessary step to restore traditional values in education and protect religious freedom in the public sphere.