Supreme Court Asked to Review Texas Ten Commandments Law
Listen to the story
The U.S. Supreme Court has been asked to review a Texas law that requires the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public schools. The Ten Commandments are a set of religious rules connected to Judaism and Christianity.
Groups opposed to the law want the Supreme Court to block it, meaning stop it from taking effect. They argue the law forces one religion onto students who may follow different beliefs, or none at all.
This case raises questions about the separation of church and state, a principle in the U.S. that keeps government and religion apart. Critics say the Texas law goes against this principle by putting religious material in public schools.
Public schools in the U.S. are funded by the government and open to all students, no matter their religion. Supporters of the Texas law may argue the Commandments have historical or moral value, though the summary does not give their reasons.
The Supreme Court is the highest judicial body in the country. Its decisions can change how laws work across every state. If the court agrees to hear the case, it will decide whether the Texas requirement can stand.
For now, the law remains in place while the request for review is considered. The outcome could affect how other states handle religious displays in public schools.
Vocabulary11 words
- Supreme Court
- the highest court in the United States
- Ten Commandments
- a list of religious rules from the Bible
- block
- to officially stop something
- separation of church and state
- the idea that religion and government stay apart
- religion
- belief in and worship of a god or gods
- judicial
- related to courts and judges
- requirement
- a rule that must be followed
- display
- to show something in public
- public schools
- schools funded by the government for all students
- principle
- an important basic rule or belief
- review
- to examine something carefully to make a decision
Quiz
Answer key
1. Display the Ten Commandments 2. It forces one religion on students of all beliefs 3. True
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
The U.S. Supreme Court has been asked to review a Texas law that requires the _____ _____ to be displayed in public schools.
Groups opposed to the law want the Supreme Court to _____ it, meaning stop it from taking effect.
This case raises questions about the _____ of church and state, a principle that keeps government and religion apart.
Public schools in the U.S. are funded by the government and open to all students, no matter their _____.
The Supreme Court is the highest _____ body in the country. Its decisions can change how laws work across every state.
The outcome could affect how other states handle religious _____ in public schools.
Discussion questions
- Do you think religious texts like the Ten Commandments should be displayed in public schools? Why or why not?
- Why is the separation of church and state considered important in the U.S.?
- How might students of different religions feel about seeing the Ten Commandments in their classrooms?
- What could happen if the Supreme Court decides not to block the Texas law?
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