Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued formal guidance on Wednesday, directing all public schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms.

The advisory outlines requirements under Senate Bill 10, which mandates the religious text appear in every elementary and secondary classroom beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year.

“The Ten Commandments are indisputably a cornerstone of America’s moral and legal heritage,” Paxton said in the advisory. He pledged that his office would “vigorously enforce this law.”

The attorney general promised to defend compliant districts against potential lawsuits.

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“My office will proudly defend districts that comply with SB 10 against any legal challenges from the radical Left,” Paxton stated.

The advisory provides detailed specifications mandated by the Texas Education Code. Districts must ensure displays meet state requirements, including the size and durability of the poster or framed copy, the exact text that should be used, and the absence of any imagery.

“While districts are not required to purchase the displays, every school must accept and display any privately donated poster or framed copy that meets these requirements. Districts may purchase compliant displays using district funds,” Paxton’s directive states.

“The Office of the Attorney General will closely monitor compliance in coordination with the Texas Education Agency. Any school district not in compliance is subject to legal action taken by my office.”

Eleven school districts in Texas that are currently involved in a legal challenge to SB 10 are exempt from the law’s enforcement after a judge in San Antonio granted a temporary injunction for those districts. The school districts affected by the injunction are Alamo Heights, North East, Austin, Cypress Fairbanks, Lackland, Lake Travis, Fort Bend, Houston, Dripping Springs, Plano, and Northside.

Paxton emphasized the historical significance of the commandments in American governance.

“Our founders drew upon the eternal truths captured in these commandments to form a nation built on law and ordered liberty,” Paxton said.