WASHINGTON — Public school policies involving religion have expanded across several U.S. states in recent months, with new laws, court rulings and federal guidance increasing the role of religious expression and religious content in some school settings, according to state officials, court records and the U.S. Department of Education.
On Monday, education officials and advocacy groups continued to monitor the implementation of measures that include classroom displays of the Ten Commandments, expanded protections for prayer and religious expression, and the incorporation of religious materials into certain curricula. The developments have prompted support from religious liberty advocates and legal challenges from civil rights organizations.
In February, the U.S. Department of Education issued updated guidance on constitutionally protected prayer and religious expression in public elementary and secondary schools. The guidance states that students, teachers and school employees may engage in religious expression as private individuals, while public schools may not sponsor or compel religious activities.
“The Trump Administration is proud to stand with students, parents, and faculty who wish to exercise their First Amendment rights in schools across our great nation,” U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in a statement accompanying the guidance.
At the state level, Texas has become a focal point of the debate. A federal appeals court in April upheld a state law requiring public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments, according to court records and reporting by the Associated Press. Supporters have argued that the displays reflect historical influences on American law and culture, while opponents contend they violate constitutional protections regarding government establishment of religion.
Texas officials have also reviewed compliance with a separate law requiring school boards to vote on whether to permit voluntary periods for prayer and the reading of religious texts outside instructional time. Attorney General Ken Paxton said his office was seeking information from school districts regarding implementation of the law.
Beyond Texas, recent court decisions have allowed Louisiana to move forward with a law requiring displays of the Ten Commandments in public school and university classrooms while legal challenges continue.
Advocacy organizations have offered differing views. Religious liberty supporters say the measures protect constitutional rights and parental choice. Groups including the Freedom From Religion Foundation have argued that some policies risk blurring the line between government institutions and religious practice.
As of Monday, several court challenges and policy reviews remained ongoing, and details regarding the long-term implementation of some state measures remained unclear.
