Texas Attorney General Sues Galveston ISD Over Ten Commandments Display
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Galveston Independent School District (ISD) after the district refused to post the Ten Commandments in classrooms, as mandated by a recent state law.
Legal Background and School District's Decision
The lawsuit follows the Galveston ISD board's vote not to comply with Senate Bill 10, which requires public schools in Texas to display copies of the Ten Commandments.
Attorney General's Statement
"America is a Christian nation, and it is imperative that we display the very values and timeless truths that have historically guided the success of our country," Paxton stated in a news release announcing the lawsuit.
He added there is "no valid legal basis" to prevent schools from displaying the Ten Commandments and pointed out that the phrase "separation of church and state" does not appear in the U.S. Constitution.
State's Enforcement and Support
Paxton’s office previously issued a legal advisory to Texas school districts, underlining the state's commitment to fully enforce Senate Bill 10 and back districts that choose to comply.
Galveston ISD's Response
The district released a statement declaring it is closed today and will review the Attorney General’s communication next week.
Summary: Texas AG Ken Paxton's lawsuit highlights ongoing tensions between state mandates to display the Ten Commandments in schools and local school districts' resistance to comply with Senate Bill 10.