From the Harris County Attorney’s Office:
Harris County Attorney Jonathan Fombonne issued the following statement in response to a ruling by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals allowing Texas’ classroom-display requirement for the Ten Commandments to remain in place:
“I am disappointed by the court’s decision to allow the State of Texas to require the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms at our public schools. Public schools must remain places where every student feels free to learn without government-imposed religious messaging. Parents, not politicians, should have the right to guide their children’s religious development.”
The First Amendment protects both freedom of religion and freedom from government establishment of religion. As several judges recognized in dissent, longstanding precedent has made clear that permanent displays of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms raise serious constitutional concerns.
“I expect this issue will continue to be reviewed by the courts, and I hope the Supreme Court of the United States will ultimately reaffirm the constitutional principles that safeguard both religious freedom and free expression in our public schools.”
In 2025, the Texas Legislature enacted Senate Bill 10, requiring every public elementary and secondary school classroom in the state to display a framed or poster-sized copy of the Ten Commandments. A coalition of Texas families challenged the law, arguing it violates the First Amendment and interferes with parents’ authority over their children’s religious instruction.
The plaintiffs have indicated they expect to seek review from the Supreme Court.
