Paxton probe includes Galveston ISD after Ten Commandments ruling

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated a statewide investigation targeting school districts across Texas, including the Galveston Independent School District. The inquiry aims to assess adherence to legal requirements concerning the display of the Ten Commandments and the conduct of votes on school prayer.

A recent ruling by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has lifted an injunction blocking the enforcement of Senate Bill 10, allowing the law to be implemented in areas that were once safeguarded.

Paxton’s office has announced that it is currently examining whether school districts are complying with the requirements of Senate Bill 10, which mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms. Additionally, the office is assessing compliance with Senate Bill 11, which requires school boards to vote by March 1 to establish a designated prayer period.

Paxton affirmed his commitment to advocating for students' fundamental right to pray in schools. Texas school districts are required to adhere to state law.

Galveston ISD has come under scrutiny from the attorney general’s office for failing to implement SB 10 in a timely manner, despite not being among the districts affected by the recently overturned injunction. District officials announced their decision to postpone action until the conclusion of the legal dispute.

A spokesperson for the district stated that the timing of the appeals court ruling was too late to be considered at the upcoming April board meeting. Trustees are anticipated to address the issue during their upcoming meeting in May.

According to SB 10, public schools are required to prominently display donated posters of the Protestant version of the Ten Commandments, measuring at least 16 by 20 inches, in every classroom. Schools are not mandated to acquire the posters; however, they are obligated to accept qualifying donations.

The extensive investigation now encompasses major school districts in the Houston area, including the Houston Independent School District, Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District, and Fort Bend Independent School District, which had previously been protected by the injunction.

Legal challenges continue to unfold. Families who have initiated legal action contend that the law violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The American Civil Liberties Union, acting on behalf of the plaintiffs, has stated that the ruling threatens the principle of separation of church and state and has announced its intention to pursue further appeals.

Amid ongoing legal disputes, various organizations across Texas are actively donating Ten Commandments posters to schools. This initiative comes as districts, including Galveston ISD, gear up for potential implementation in advance of the upcoming school year.