Activist collective in North Texas files a lawsuit to inhibit the implementation of a law allowing the Ten Commandments in educational settings
A feisty band of Dallas activists have taken their quest to the courts, aiming to squash a new Texas law Commandment-ing classrooms across North Texas to exhibit the Ten Commandments.
The Next Generation Action Network Legal Advocacy Fund set forth a lawsuit on Tuesday, claiming Senate Bill 10 is unconstitutional and tramples on students' religious freedom. A gamut of parents, costumed as devout leaders, are leading the charge, championing their little ones.
The lawsuit states that fastening the Ten Commandments in every Texas public school classroom for eternity is a stealthy attempt to mold students into religious followers, worshippers, and disciples of the state's preferred religious scripture.
Governor Greg Abbott penned his signature onto SB 10 on Saturday, transforming it into a law. This new rule obligates public schools to up the ante, and display a decorative poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments, measuring a minimum of 16 inches wide and 20 inches tall. Advocates of the legislation claim U.S. jurisprudence relies heavily on the Ten Commandments.
NGAN promptly took to social media, denouncing the law as an arrogant move to politicize religion.
The Texas Education Commissioner, the Texas Education Agency, as well as school boards in Dallas, DeSoto, and Lancaster ISDs, have been named as targets in the legal fray.
KERA News has extended an invitation for comment on the lawsuit to the Texas Education Agency, and eagerly awaits their response.
DeSoto ISD has publically declared their interest in the legal chess game, keeping a watchful eye on the proceedings, and counseling agencies for guidance as the law unfolds.
Lancaster ISD has weighed in via email, expressing awareness of the lawsuit and remaining fervently tuned to the information flow.
Dallas ISD has opted for cautious silence when it comes to the courthouse drama.
A synthesis of civil rights groups revealed earlier this week they are primed to litigate Texas over the legislation. A federal appeals court recently invalidated a similar law in Louisiana.
Find more details about Texans' religious fight in the public school system here
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The Next Generation Action Network Legal Advocacy Fund has filed a lawsuit against Senate Bill 10, claiming it violates the constitutional rights of students and their religious freedom.
The lawsuit argues that the mandatory display of the Ten Commandments in Texas public schools is an attempt to indoctrinate students into a particular religion, intertwining policy-and-legislation with general-news and education.