SAN ANTONIO — A federal judge in Texas has halted a law that would require 11 school districts, including Austin Independent School District, to display donated posters featuring the Ten Commandments in classrooms. The ruling was issued by Judge Fred Biery after a court hearing held earlier this week.
The legal challenge was brought forth by several organizations, including the ACLU of Texas, which argued that the law, known as Senate Bill 10, infringes on students’ constitutional rights. Attorney Tommy Buser-Clancy of the ACLU highlighted the significance of the decision, stating that it would alleviate potential difficulties students might face in class due to the posters.
The new law is set to take effect on September 1, prompting the lawsuit aimed at blocking its implementation. Austin ISD Superintendent Matias Segura had previously indicated the district’s willingness to comply with the law if donations for the posters were received.
Following the judge’s ruling, a spokesperson for Austin ISD stated that the district is no longer a party to the case and will adhere to any final court decision regarding the injunction. Judge Biery expressed concerns that SB 10 might breach both the Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses of the First Amendment, which could lead to religious coercion in schools.
Supporters of the law, such as attorney Jonathan Saenz from Texas Values, contested Biery’s ruling, claiming that it created unnecessary obstacles to the law’s implementation. Saenz characterized the judge’s decision as overly cautious and expressed optimism that a higher court would ultimately uphold the Ten Commandments in schools.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced intentions to appeal the ruling, labeling it a flawed decision. Paxton emphasized the historical significance of the Ten Commandments in shaping moral and legal principles, asserting Texas’s commitment to defending its rights on this issue.
Saenz also suggested that circumstances surrounding the ruling could quickly change, indicating that courts often act expeditiously in these matters. He pointed to past instances where lower court rulings have been reversed by higher courts, predicting a similar outcome for the Texas law.
In a broader context, David Froomkin, a law professor at the University of Houston, noted that the court’s ruling may apply only to the school districts involved in the lawsuit. He referred to a previous Supreme Court ruling, pointing out that federal courts might be limited in issuing universal injunctions.
As of now, the law is still poised to take effect in other districts across Texas on September 1, highlighting the ongoing legal and educational debate surrounding the inclusion of religious texts in public school settings.
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