A federal appeals court has ruled that Texas can require public schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms, overturning a previous injunction that had blocked the measure.
The decision, issued on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, reverses a lower court ruling from November that had ordered the removal of the biblical texts from school walls.
The appeals court determined that the requirement does not violate students’ or parents’ freedom of conscience and found no evidence that the law substantially infringes on religious liberty rights.
It further concluded that the state law does not contravene the First Amendment’s prohibition on establishing a national religion or favoring one faith over another.
Texas had enacted the law in June 2025, mandating that the Ten Commandments be posted in a prominent location within every public school classroom.
The policy had been challenged by Texas school officials, several families, and the American Civil Liberties Union, who argued that religious instruction belongs to families and faith communities, not public institutions.
The ACLU has indicated it plans to appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court, expressing disappointment with the appellate decision.
The ruling may set a precedent that could encourage other states to pursue similar measures requiring religious displays in public schools.
