A new Texas law proposal could require all public schools to display the 10 Commandments in every classroom.
In the state of Texas, the legislature proposed Senate Bill 10, which requires all public schools to have the 10 Commandments displayed in classrooms. This law was supposed to take effect in September 2025, but a federal court has temporarily blocked it, arguing that it violated our First Amendment rights. The bill has caused conversations regarding the separation of church and state, with supporters of the bill arguing that it could teach students morals and others argue that it’s a violation of the separation of church and state. Regardless of debate, this bill directly affects young students’ learning environment, making them navigate school and religion coexisting. Interviews with students reveal this would affect learning.
Cypress Ranch students had many different opinions on the subject, specifically how it would affect the classroom environment.
“I think it would just make people uncomfortable because school is supposed to be a place of learning and not a place of feeling judged or trying to be converted or persuaded into a different religion,” senior Jayden Nyguen said.
America has prided itself on being a diverse country and has had laws in order to make sure the government does not discriminate against any religion. This discussion has encouraged students to think about students of different religions.
“I think they’ll probably make them feel uncomfortable and feel that we’re trying to push religion on other people or push it on them,” senior Maegan Washington said.
Students also discussed the judge’s decision to block the bill temporarily. Opinions from some students mainly stayed consistent throughout the interviews. Even students who practice the 10 Commandments disagree with the law.
“I understand the intentions behind it, but I don’t think it will be a good idea because everyone believes in something different and everyone has their own opinions on certain things,” Washington said. “I don’t think we should push a certain belief on others that believe in something else.’’
The debate has raised questions about what role religion should play in schools and how it affects the dynamic between teachers and students.
“It would show some like animosity or maybe even passive aggressiveness because the teachers can just point at it and be like, ‘Listen to this,’” senior Leah Vasquez said. “I guess it feels like a way that’s passive-aggressive or toxic or just the way that comes out [is] bad.’’