Hays Consolidated Independent School District has placed posters of the Ten Commandments in more than 2,500 classrooms across its campuses. The move follows a new Texas state law, Senate Bill 10, which requires public schools to display the religious text if it is privately donated.
Key Takeaways
- Hays CISD received and displayed 2,550 Ten Commandments posters in its classrooms.
- The posters were a donation from My Faith Votes, a Christian nonprofit organization.
- This action is in compliance with Texas Senate Bill 10, which mandates the display of donated religious posters.
- To provide educational context, the district is also displaying the Bill of Rights alongside the posters.
- A federal court has temporarily blocked the law for 11 other Texas districts, citing First Amendment concerns.
Compliance with Senate Bill 10
The display of the Ten Commandments in Hays CISD schools is a direct result of Texas Senate Bill 10. The law, which recently went into effect, mandates that school districts must accept and prominently display posters of the Ten Commandments if they are offered as a donation. The bill's author, State Senator Phil King, has argued for its importance in public education.
Hays CISD officials confirmed they are following the state requirement. Tim Savoy, the Chief Communications Officer for Hays CISD, explained the process. "[My Faith Votes] asked how many classrooms. We told them we have 2,539 classrooms and so, then they donated 2,550 posters of the Ten Commandments," Savoy stated.
The Role of My Faith Votes
The posters were provided by My Faith Votes, a nonprofit organization based in Fort Worth. According to its website, the group's vision is to "see God honored in the public square." Records show that a representative from the organization contacted the district in July to inquire about the number of classrooms. While the donation was facilitated by My Faith Votes, the official acknowledgement form lists the donor as Million Voices, an organization that entered into a partnership with My Faith Votes in February 2025.
A Controversial Law and Legal Challenges
While Hays CISD is complying with the law, SB 10 faces significant legal opposition. A group of Texas families filed a lawsuit arguing that the mandate violates the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits government endorsement of religion.
In response to the lawsuit, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery issued a temporary injunction, blocking the law's enforcement. However, this ruling is narrow and only applies to the 11 school districts specifically named in the legal challenge. These districts include nearby Austin ISD, Lake Travis ISD, and Dripping Springs ISD.
State's Position on the Injunction
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office has appealed the judge's injunction. The attorney general has instructed all school districts not covered by the temporary block to proceed with implementing the law as written. Hays CISD is one of the many districts outside the scope of the current injunction.
District's Approach to Implementation
In a letter addressed to parents, Hays CISD Superintendent Eric Wright explained the district's decision to comply with the law while also creating a broader educational context. He announced that posters of the Bill of Rights would be placed next to the Ten Commandments in every classroom.
"The district intends to do this to give students a broader understanding of not only the responsibilities by which they might choose to live, but also the important individual freedoms they enjoy as Americans or while on American soil," Wright wrote.
In addition to the dual posters, a note is displayed alongside them. The note clarifies that the posters were donated, not purchased with taxpayer funds, and that their display is required by state law. This proactive measure aims to address potential community concerns about the use of public resources and the district's role.
Reactions from Students and Staff
The new posters, which arrived on campuses in mid-September, have already become a topic of discussion among students and teachers. Laura O'Dea, an English teacher at Lehman High School, reported that students immediately began asking questions about the new displays.
"I said I really don’t think that is what is coming but I don’t have clear answers for her," O'Dea said, recalling a student who asked if they would be required to recite the commandments. She emphasized her role in the classroom: "As the teacher I am here to facilitate learning, but I am certainly not a preacher or on my soap box trying to convince anyone of anything."
Student Perspectives
Students have also been discussing the implications of the posters. Nevaeh Lyons, a junior at Lehman High School, shared her perspective on the matter. While she identifies as a Christian, she expressed concern for her peers from different backgrounds.
"I am a Christian myself – I like love all that type of stuff, but we're kind of setting, we are making other people feel they are not welcome in a spot that they need to be welcomed in," Lyons said. Her comments reflect a broader debate about inclusivity in public schools.
A Divisive Mandate for Communities
The situation in Hays CISD highlights the complex position school districts are in. They must navigate state law while serving diverse communities with varying beliefs. Tim Savoy acknowledged the difficult nature of the mandate.
"We have people who love the Ten Commandments and want them in schools. We have people that love the Ten Commandments but think, ‘hey that is probably a lesson better taught at home or in the church.’ We have people that are not Christian that other faiths. We have people that have no faith at all," Savoy explained. "The frustrating part about a law like this is it makes it look like the district is picking a side."
It remains unclear how many other Texas school districts have received similar donations. Some smaller districts in Central Texas, including Fayetteville, Cherokee, and La Grange ISD, have reported receiving posters, while many others have not yet received any donations since the law took effect.