More parents across Texas are joining the diverse legal effort to stop the implementation of Senate Bill 10, the state law requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom. In the past week, families in multiple public school districts have signed onto a new class-action lawsuit, broadening the challenge and signaling deepening statewide resistance to the mandate.
The new complaint, filed in federal court on behalf of families from a range of backgrounds and faith traditions, asks the San Antonio federal court judge to extend existing injunctions to every school district in Texas. According to reports, the plaintiffs argue that forcing religious displays into classrooms violates students’ First Amendment rights and exposes districts to potential legal and financial liability.
This latest expansion follows last month’s ruling temporarily blocking SB 10’s enforcement in dozens of districts.
With Attorney General Ken Paxton wading in, many districts fear they’ll face legal consequences no matter how they implement (or don’t implement) the law.
The broadened lawsuit also points out that the law places schools in an impossible position: comply with SB 10 and risk violating the Establishment Clause or refuse and face penalties from the state. Plaintiffs joining the legal challenge say that these posters send a message to children that “they are outsiders in their school community,” and that the only solution is a statewide ruling that permanently blocks the mandate.
Texas AFT will continue monitoring these rapidly developing legal proceedings and provide updates as more districts fight against SB 10’s unconstitutional requirements.