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Ten Commandments

Why Displaying the Ten Commandments in Texas Public Schools is Inappropriate

Background:

In 2025, the Texas legislature passed a controversial bill mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in every public-school classroom. Proponents of the law argue it reflects the country’s historical foundations and promotes moral values. However, this decision raises serious constitutional and ethical concerns, particularly regarding the separation of church and state—a foundational principle of American democracy.

Historical Context:

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits government establishment of religion. This means public institutions, including schools funded by taxpayers, must remain neutral on religious matters. The U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled against school-sponsored religious displays. In Stone v. Graham (1980), the Court struck down a Kentucky law requiring the posting of the Ten Commandments in public classrooms, declaring it a violation of the Establishment Clause.

Concerns with the Texas Mandate:

  1. Violation of Constitutional Rights: Mandating the display of religious texts in public classrooms blurs the line between church and state. It sends a message that the state endorses a particular religion— Christianity—marginalizing students of other faiths or no faith.
  2. Religious Diversity Ignored: Texas is home to people of many faith traditions—Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and others—as well as secular and nonreligious individuals. Public schools should be inclusive spaces. Elevating one religion undermines that diversity and creates division rather than unity.
  3. Education, Not Indoctrination: Schools are meant to educate, not indoctrinate. While moral and ethical discussions are part of a well-rounded education, these should be approached from a secular and inclusive framework, not through the lens of religious doctrine.
  4. Legal Precedent and Public Trust: Reversing decades of legal precedent risks costly litigation and erodes public trust in neutral government institutions. This policy may invite lawsuits that divert attention and funds away from actual educational needs.
  5. Hindu View: “Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti” Translation: “Truth is one, the wise call it by many names.” — Rig Veda 1.164.4. This ancient Vedic idea promotes tolerance and respect for diverse religious paths, emphasizing that no single tradition holds a monopoly on moral or spiritual truth. In the Hindu way of life: Dharma (righteous living) is seen as contextual, personal, and inclusive, not a fixed list of universal commandments. Ethical behavior arises from inner understanding, reflection, and self-discipline, rather than obedience to a codified set of rules imposed by the state.

Conclusion:

Public schools serve all children—regardless of their beliefs. Promoting one religious viewpoint in a government-funded setting is not only unconstitutional, but it also risks alienating students and families, and weakening the principle of religious freedom. Texas should focus on strengthening education through inclusive and secular means, respecting the diverse beliefs of its communities.

FAQs: Opposing the Display of the Ten Commandments in Public Schools

While many early settlers were Christian, the U.S. Constitution deliberately separates religion from government. The Founders created a secular framework to ensure religious freedom for all. The government should not promote one religion over others—this protects both religious and non-religious citizens.

Some of the commandments, like “Do not steal” or “Do not kill,” reflect general moral principles. But others are explicitly religious (e.g., “Have no other gods before me,” “Keep the Sabbath day holy”). These are tied to specific theological beliefs and do not belong in a public, secular classroom.

Yes, religion’s influence on history can and should be taught in an educational context— objectively and comparatively. But mandating religious texts to be posted is different. That’s not teaching about religion—it’s promoting one, which the courts have ruled unconstitutional.

Individual students and teachers have the right to their personal religious beliefs and can express them within legal limits. However, schools—as government institutions—cannot promote religion. The First Amendment restricts government establishment of religion to protect everyone’s freedom.

Democracy doesn’t override constitutional rights. Even if a majority supports something, the Constitution protects minority rights, including freedom from state-sponsored religion. That’s a key part of why the Bill of Rights exists.

Values and discipline are crucial—but they can be taught through secular ethics, civic education, and character-building programs. Instilling values doesn’t require religious texts. In fact, inclusivity strengthens respect and cooperation among students from diverse backgrounds.

Teaching about religion—objectively and comparatively—is part of a well-rounded education. But promoting religious doctrine, especially from a single faith, crosses the line into endorsement. The goal is to educate, not to preach.

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