Starting August 20, public schools across Texas were temporarily blocked from enforcing the 10 Commandments in classrooms. A previous proposal had been made in 2023, but House Bill 7.1 failed to pass. The topic resurfaced in March 2025, creating complications between Democratic and Republican senators. Beyond all the laws being blocked due to violation of separation from churches and states, people within all communities have different stances on whether or not the posting would’ve been beneficial or more harmful to educational instruction.
“[The 10 Commandments] could help me get through my day and know to trust in God throughout the day, while for other people it might be a distraction,” junior Emmercyn Shaefer said.
The 10 Commandments would not have been directly taught during day-to-day instruction; however, they could suffice as a daily reminder. Further, allowing all students to be cognizant of their way of living.
H.B 7.1 had previously been implemented in Louisiana during June of 2024, but was later ruled unconstitutional in June 2025. All cases of the H.B have been redeemed as a violation of the Constitution; others of different religious beliefs, or atheists, could have seen this as not only a violation of the First Amendment(freedom of religion and speech), but that the government endorses a particular religion. This could establish a sense of imbalance, and such displays can unintentionally foster division rather than inclusivity in a diverse society. Although the commandments wouldn’t be directly taught within each course, curious students would gain questions that teachers would feel the need to answer.
“[The 10 Commandments] could affect people of different beliefs. People who aren’t Christian might feel like religion is kind of being forced on them, but I feel like it could also be a good thing because most Christians want to spread the gospel, so it’s a way of doing that,” Shaefer said.
Starting September 1, Texas’ Senate Bill 10 went into effect, marking the start of the 2025–2026 school year. The law, passed by the Texas Legislature and signed by Governor Greg Abbott on June 21, officially prohibits public elementary and secondary school classrooms from displaying a “durable poster or framed copy” of the Ten Commandments in a clear and visible location.
“Maybe everybody could have their own little mini copy of the commandments if they wanted,” junior Averee Rawlins said.
The implementation of laws requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms has sparked debate across political and religious lines. Critics argue that it is not the role of the state to provide religious instruction, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a clear separation between church and state in public education. They believe such mandates risk promoting a specific religious viewpoint in a diverse, secular environment. On the other hand, supporters see the displays as a positive opportunity for students who practice religion or are curious about it to access foundational moral teachings. For them, the presence of the 10 Commandments in classrooms offers cultural and historical value; they argue that exposure does not equate to forced belief.
“I think that having the Ten Commandments in the classroom could be a good thing, but I don’t know, it could go both ways,” Shaefer said.
CFISD and our campus are filled with many individuals who partake in religion. Although the placement of the commandments may or may not bother most students, it could lead to potential conflicts and concerns for parents within the district. Being open-minded about whether or not H.B 7.1 should be taken into consideration again or as a thing of the past is important when it comes to how students and staff could view the proclamation.
“I think everybody is entitled to their own opinion, and it’s hard when you have so many different beliefs and religions that come here,” Rawlins said.
