A coalition of Dallas-area families and religious leaders — including figures from Christian and Nation of Islam communities — has filed a federal lawsuit challenging a newly signed Texas law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom.
The plaintiffs argue the requirement violates constitutional protections separating church and state, according to the Associated Press.
“The government should govern; the Church should minister,” the lawsuit states. “Anything else is a threat to the soul of both our democracy and our faith.”
Texas is the most populous state to pursue such legislation, following contentious attempts in Louisiana and Arkansas that have faced court challenges. A federal appeals court recently blocked a similar law in Louisiana, and families in Arkansas have launched lawsuits of their own.
The suit targets the Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath and several school districts after Republican Governor Greg Abbott signed the legislation on June 21.
The law mandates that a specific English version of the Ten Commandments be posted in all classrooms at a minimum size of 16-by-20 inches.
Supporters contend the commandments represent foundational values in American law and education.
Abbott also backed a separate initiative requiring schools to set aside daily voluntary time for prayer or reading religious texts.
But critics — including national civil liberties groups — say these moves infringe on individual religious freedom, and additional lawsuits are expected.
The complaint highlights Texas’ vast and diverse student population — approximately six million students across more than 9,000 public schools — as a key reason for opposing the law. It argues that many students come from traditions that may not align with the Ten Commandments or may hold no religious beliefs at all.
Although the law is scheduled to take effect on Sept. 1, most Texas schools begin classes in August.
The Texas Education Agency has not publicly commented on the legal challenge.
