In classrooms across Texas, new posters displaying the Ten Commandments have begun appearing on classroom walls, following a recent passing of Senate Bill 10 on June 20, 2025 where Governor Greg Abbott signed it into Texas law the following day. The bill was brought to congress by Texas Senator Phil King and other Republican senators.
Under the new policy, schools have to display Ten Commandments in a “conspicuous place” in every classroom. The new law took effect at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year where it has caused a stir among students.
“I think it actually creates a negative connotation, especially toward older grades that have further understanding of what’s happening,” sophomore Hudson Bialon said. “In my own debate class, there’s a lot of tension, and just seeing it up there or seeing it in a class that used to be a safe space, you just feel you’re being violated in a way.”
The posters have prompted broader discussions about inclusivity and freedom of religion on campus. Students have voiced concerns that the policy may violate the constitutional principle of separation between church and state.
“For one, just like the most obvious thing is, not everybody is a Christian,” junior Lynn Wang said. “Separation of church and state that comes to schools as well. So I don’t understand why this is fine?”
While some students have expressed discontent with the implementation of the new law, some students expressed they are not affected by the new policy because teachers and administrators have refrained from taking a public stance, citing the need to follow state guidelines.
“I wasn’t really too affected by it,” senior Asseah Hashimi said. “No teachers have explicitly said that the Ten Commandments are right there. Other students may think we’re being outcasted just because it’s a public school. But again, it’s a state law and none of the teachers are actually going to force students to follow them as class rules.”
There is a split stance on the effects this policy will have on student’s morals. Some express there are better ways to instill morals into youth that schools have already pursued.
“I feel that has been implemented many different ways, with the no bullying acts, respect towards elders and respect towards any authority figures,” Bialon said. “I feel we’ve already implemented that enough and the Ten Commandments posters do not achieve that goal whatsoever.”
Others however, have expressed that if the morals which are in the Ten Commandments are considered universally accepted then there is no harm in having them up in classrooms.
“As a Muslim, the Ten Commandments haven’t really made me feel any type of way,” Hashimi said. “I think if whatever content is in the Ten Commandments talks about good morals and if they align with what my religion says, I don’t have any issue with schools having them.”
As of Nov. 18 Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Leander and Round Rock ISDs for not complying with SB 10. Following the lawsuit, Glenn seniors Sahana Chandran and Connor Atema expressed their opinions on the issue at the Nov. 20 LISD Board Meeting.
“I’ve been pretty vocal about this because the Constitution is a big deal,” senior Sahana Chandran said. “I feel like when we reach out to representatives saying ‘we don’t like your bill,’ sometimes they choose not to listen, but at a school board meeting they have to listen. It’s escalating, and this is a moment for Leander ISD to stand up for what’s right. We have to fight him [Ken Paxton]. We have to make sure we stand up for ourselves.”
Questions as to the number of posters donated to the district and the implementation of the new law district-wide have not been answered by LISD at this time.
This is a developing story. New details will be added as they develop.