Notre Dame scholars urge Supreme Court to strike down Texas Ten Commandments law

Who's involved

• Greg AbbottTexas Republican Governor who signed the law
• Fred BieryU.S. District Judge
• Lindsay & Matt Moroun Religious Liberty ClinicFiled amicus brief with Notre Dame Law School scholars
• U.S. Supreme CourtUrged to take up the case

The facts

• Greg Abbott signed the Ten Commandments law in June 2025.^{1 2 3} Stated by 3 sources
• The law requires a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments in each Texas public elementary or secondary school classroom.^{1 2 3} Stated by 3 sources
• U.S. District Judge Fred Biery blocked the law in August 2025.^{1 2 3} Stated by 3 sources
• The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the law, finding it does not violate the First Amendment.^{1 2 3} Stated by 3 sources
• Notre Dame scholars filed amicus brief on Sept. 28 urging Supreme Court to strike down the law.^{1 2 3} Stated by 3 sources
• Supreme Court struck down Ten Commandments displays at Kentucky courthouses in 2005.^{1 2 3} Stated by 3 sources
• Fifth Circuit reversed federal judge's 2024 block of Louisiana Ten Commandments school law.^{1 2 3} Stated by 3 sources

Who said what

These are statements and claims made by the people involved. They are reported, not verified.

• Notre Dame scholars The law forces state-sponsored religious instruction on children and violates the Constitution.^{1 2 3}
• Notre Dame scholars The appeals court ruling misstates First Amendment history and imperils religious freedom.^{1 2 3}
• Notre Dame scholars The law's purpose is to teach government-approved religious truth.^{1 2 3}