Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Galveston Independent School District after the district refused to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms, as required by a new state law.
The legal action follows a vote by the Galveston ISD board to not comply with Senate Bill 10, which mandates that public schools in Texas must display copies of the Ten Commandments.
Paxton said the district’s refusal violated state law and ignored the nation’s moral and historical foundations.
“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 said in a news release announcing the suit.
He also argued there is “no valid legal basis” to prevent schools from displaying the Ten Commandments, noting that the concept of separation of church and state does not appear in the U.S. Constitution.
Earlier, Paxton’s office issued a legal advisory to Texas school districts, emphasizing the state’s commitment to fully enforce SB 10 and support districts that comply.
Galveston ISD released a statement in response to the lawsuit:
The district is closed today and will evaluate the AG communication next week. We will closely monitor any possible litigation and consult with our legal counsel before making further decisions. In the meantime, our focus remains on elevating instruction, valuing a respectful culture, and promoting a safe environment for students and staff.
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