Ken Paxton investigating Houston-area ISDs over Ten Commandments law

Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Thursday his office is investigating school districts across the state to ensure compliance with Texas’ Ten Commandments display law — including Cypress-Fairbanks, Conroe, Galveston, Fort Bend and Houston ISDs.

Paxton’s office demanded the districts provide proof of a board vote on the implementation of SB11, and to produce documents regarding the Ten Commandments displays required under SB10.

The 5th Circuit’s ruling last month applied to one of three lawsuits against SB10 filed by a coalition that includes the ACLU of Texas, Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Freedom From Religion Foundation.

Andrew Stewart, Conroe ISD’s public information officer, said in a statement to the Houston Chronicle the district was in communication with the attorney general’s office to determine why it’s under investigation.

“The Attorney General’s office was the one who advised the district not to display the SB10 posters after the Fifth Circuit Court ruling,” Stewart wrote. “Additionally, the Conroe ISD Board of Trustees voted on SB11 during the February Board Meeting, and the district is in compliance with the requirements of that law.” 

In a statement to the Chronicle before the investigation was announced, Cy-Fair ISD spokesperson Joel Weckerly shared that the district was monitoring legal developments to ensure its compliance with the law.

“Unless there is an appeal that restores the injunction, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD will proceed with administrative implementation to ensure the district remains in compliance with the requirements of the state law to accept and display qualifying, privately donated posters,” the statement said. “CFISD community members donated posters in the summer of 2025. The district is working on a uniform rollout to have the posters delivered and displayed at each campus before the start of the 2026-27 school year.” 

Paxton filed a lawsuit against Galveston ISD after the school board voted against placing the commandments in classrooms.

Galveston ISD communications director Michael Dudas shared a document with the Chronicle that showed the school board voted against creating a policy before the law’s deadline for school boards to vote by March 1. He said the 5th Circuit opinion came out after GISD had publicly published last month’s agenda, so trustees were unable to comment or discuss, but he anticipates SB10 compliance will be on the agenda for May 20.