- United States
- Texas
- Letter
The 10 commandments up in schools is a violation of free speech
To: Sen. Eckhardt, Rep. Cole
From: A verified voter in Austin, TX
March 5
The push to mandate displays of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms raises concerns about respecting the religious diversity of students and families. If this legislation ultimately passes, it would be reasonable to also include sacred texts and principles from other major world religions beyond Christianity. A public school environment should aim to be inclusive and expose students to the beliefs and moral frameworks present across different faiths and cultures. Promoting understanding of various religions can foster greater tolerance and respect. Requiring the Ten Commandments alone could make some students feel alienated or favored over others based on their personal beliefs. For public institutions to truly uphold principles of religious freedom, an evenhanded approach representing the pluralistic makeup of society would be more appropriate than privileging one faith over others. Opening the doors to displaying diverse sacred texts could enrich students' educational experiences.