The Galveston ISD board voted 4–3 to delay placing Ten Commandments posters in classrooms, citing a pending federal appeals court case challenging the constitutionality of the Texas law that mandates the displays.
Last week, the Galveston Independent School District board made a narrow decision, voting 4–3 to postpone the installation of Ten Commandments posters in classrooms. This delay will remain in effect until a federal appellate court provides a ruling on the constitutionality of the displays.
A closely contested vote has emerged as a legal challenge to the new state law requiring the displays and is pending a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Earlier this year, sixteen families in Texas took legal action against their school districts, claiming that the law violates their First Amendment rights by endorsing a particular religion within public schools.
In August, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery in San Antonio ruled in favor of the families, preventing 11 districts from implementing the Ten Commandments law. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has taken action by appealing the ruling to the Fifth Circuit, and the case is currently awaiting a decision.
In light of the current legal proceedings and her duties under the constitution, Elizabeth Beeton, a member of the Galveston ISD board, put forth a motion to postpone the displays.
“I pledged to the best of my ability to uphold, safeguard, and defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States and this state, so help me God,” Beeton stated during the meeting. “The authorities have left us in a difficult situation, yet the Constitution remains the highest law governing our nation.”
Board member Ann Masel expressed strong opposition to the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms, labeling it a breach of religious neutrality in public education. Masel recognized that Senate Bill 10, enacted in 2023, mandates that schools must accept donated displays.
“This matter raises important ethical and legal considerations,” Masel stated. “It is with great regret that I find myself compelled to make this legal decision.”
Republican state Sen. Mayes Middleton of Galveston, the sponsor of the legislation, took to social media to express his criticism of the board’s vote and Beeton’s motion. He referred to Beeton as a “rogue trustee” who is “subject to removal from office,” emphasizing that the law is “not optional and not a suggestion.”
Paxton has issued a caution to school districts, indicating that noncompliance may lead to potential legal consequences. Earlier this month, a legal advisory from his office indicated that it would support districts adhering to the law and would cover any associated legal expenses.
Following the board's decision, Beeton expressed her support for her vote in a statement to the Houston Chronicle. “I understand the attorney general's perspective, but my commitment to uphold the Constitution left me with no alternative,” she stated.
Superintendent Matthew Neighbors of Galveston ISD announced that the district will closely monitor the ongoing developments. “We are dedicated to ensuring a respectful and inclusive learning environment for every student as we seek additional legal clarification,” Neighbors stated.
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