PP Language Lessons
MediumEducationOctober 4, 2025

Texas and the Ten Commandments: What Happened and Why It Matters

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Key Vocabulary

mandate

mandate /ˈmæn.deɪt/ - an official order to do something
Example: The law creates a new mandate for classrooms.

injunction

injunction /ɪnˈdʒʌŋkʃən/ - a court order that stops an action
Example: The court issued an injunction for several districts.

plaintiff

plaintiff /ˈpleɪntɪf/ - a person or group who brings a legal case
Example: The plaintiffs sued the school districts.

appeal

appeal /əˈpiːl/ - to ask a higher court to review a decision
Example: The state plans to appeal the injunction.

📖 Article

Texas has passed Senate Bill 10 and the law was signed on June 21, 2025. It requires a 16 by 20 inch poster of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom starting September 1, 2025. Schools must accept privately donated posters that meet the law’s rules. However, courts have challenged the mandate while families and civil liberties groups have filed lawsuits.

On August 20, 2025, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery issued a preliminary injunction that blocks the displays in 11 school districts. The plaintiffs, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and other groups, argued that the law would pressure students and might violate the First Amendment, and the judge agreed. The state attorney general has urged districts to comply where courts have not enjoined the law, so the legal fight is likely to continue and may be appealed to higher courts.

143 words

❓ Quiz

Q1. When was the law signed?
Q2. Who issued a preliminary injunction on August 20, 2025?
Q3. Which organization represented the plaintiffs?

💬 Discussion

1.

Do you believe classroom displays can affect how students feel about school? How?

2.

Have you ever been in a place where a public rule made you uncomfortable? What did you do?

3.

What do you think students should learn about religion and history while in school?

4.

Would you want parents and school leaders to talk more about classroom rules? Why or why not?