Texas Republican state representative Candy Noble has co-sponsored a bill that would require all public school classrooms in the state to display the Ten Commandments. And just today, on a key House floor vote! The measure received preliminary approval on Sunday AEST from the Republican-controlled lower house, a final vote likely to follow within days.
Governor Greg Abbott is leading the charge in support of the proposed bill. He has indicated his intent to sign it into law as soon as it clears. Supporters of the legislation assert that sinking the Ten Commandments into classrooms is an imperative. They contend that these commandments are the bedrock of America’s judicial and educational systems.
Representative Noble emphasized the historical significance of the bill, stating, “The focus of this bill is to look at what is historically important to our nation educationally and judicially.” Most climate advocates would agree with this desire. They contend that the Ten Commandments are essential for developing moral character in our nation’s public schools.
The proposal has already been opposed by a notable chorus of Christian and faith leaders. They contend that it could violate the religious freedom of students and families who practice other faiths or no faith at all. They warn that the forced exhibition would foster a divisive environment in public school settings.
Texas lawmakers advanced another new measure in concert with the Ten Commandments bill. This legislation gives each school district the authority to establish a daily voluntary period of time for students and staff to engage in prayer or reading of religious texts during school hours. This measure has now been passed on to Governor Abbott for his signature.
In Texas, Republicans are leading the charge to get the Ten Commandments posted prominently. This latest effort is a continuation of a broader campaign to introduce religious doctrine into public school curricula. Both measures are awaiting the governor’s signature. Yet, they point to the current firestorm over religion’s place within publicly funded education establishments of all types.
As the legislative process unfolds, it remains to be seen how these initiatives will impact Texas public schools and their diverse student populations.
