The Lord’s world casts its shade over students: framed, 16×20, large enough to see with the naked eye.
Like so many of the 334 legislative pieces passed and signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott, Senate Bill 10, was not without controversy. The bill, which would require Texas public schools to post the Christian Ten Commandments in classrooms was blocked by San Antonio District Judge Fred Biery on Aug. 20 for 11 school districts.
Supporting legislators argue around the First Amendment, instead proposing that Christian values are vital to understanding American History.
“We value the Ten Commandments deeply,” Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Pastor Steven Headley said. “We teach them in our confirmation classes and in worship and try our best to live by them. At the same time, our faith reminds us that simply posting the Commandments on a wall doesn’t change hearts.”
However, a loophole was written into the bill, so that to post the Ten Commandments, the posters must be donated in their entirety to classes before they may be posted in one. Leander High School has not received any donations. Texas schools are not required by law to post doctrines of other religions.
“For the most part, this bill means nothing to LHS specifically,” Principal Chris Simpson said. “We are encouraging students, who have questions regarding this posting, to speak with their parents. Once we have a donation of the posters, we will hang them in a designated spot.”
Texas is one of 16 states to have attempted to enroll the Commandments alongside students. Teachers, however, do not have to teach God’s word unless it is part of found amongst the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.
“In a public school setting, teachers may not be equipped to answer questions about faith,” Headley said. “That’s why we believe the responsibility of teaching what God’s Word reveals belongs primarily to the Church, private Christian education and the home. [That way] there’s a healthy separation of church and state.”
As of now, District board members are, unable to speak directly to the legal implications of this new Bill.
“As an LISD parent, my personal stance is that I am opposed to the law,” said school board member Francesca Romans. “I trust our educators to make sure that classrooms are spaces for all. I will try to give them whatever support they need to keep the focus on students, themselves and the diversity that has helped my children grow during their years here.”
Junior and youth member Thienn Peterson said that the Bible “says to hold yourself accountable by the Ten Commandments– not force them onto others.”
“This bill sends a message of hate to students of other religions, because often the thing that hurts the most is indifference,” Peterson said. “This [law] sets a horrible example of what a Christian is. A Christian does not exclude. A Christian does not ignore. A Christian listens and understands and loves unconditionally. It sends a message that says ‘we don’t care,’ and that is absolutely not acceptable.”
