U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn, along with Speaker Mike Johnson and Representative Chip Roy, have filed an amicus brief in support of displaying the Ten Commandments in public schools. The brief argues that the Ten Commandments are part of the historical foundation of the United States and claims that their display aligns with national traditions and the First Amendment. It also states that acknowledging religion’s role in American life does not amount to establishing a state religion or coercing religious observance.
Senator Cruz commented, “As the Supreme Court has repeatedly acknowledged, the Ten Commandments were foundational to Western legal tradition, including the common-law system that shaped American law, and this case is critical to reaffirming our commitment to the principles that have guided America since our founding. I was proud to represent Texas in successfully defending the Texas Ten Commandments Capitol monument in Van Orden v. Perry (2005). Public displays of the Ten Commandments reinforce the founding principles for current and future generations, and are crucial to shaping a shared civic culture. I hope the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals will uphold the ruling.”
Senator Cornyn stated, “I’m proud to stand with Senator Cruz in supporting Texas’ law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools across the Lone Star State. The Ten Commandments ensure students are reminded of the Judeo-Christian values that have shaped our state and nation.”
Speaker Johnson said, “While some states have sought to erase American history and the motivations that have undergirded our Republic, others, like Louisiana and Texas, took bold action to ensure schoolchildren are taught the history and traditions of the United States. The Ten Commandments – adorned both inside and outside the U.S. Supreme Court – served as essential building blocks for Western Civilization and are deeply embedded in the history of this country. I am grateful to my colleagues for joining me in filing this amicus brief, and we hope the Court follows well-established precedent and affirms the importance of teaching the fundamental foundations of our country.”
Representative Roy added, “America was founded as a nation grounded in a distinctly Christian understanding, and the Ten Commandments are intertwined with America’s legal, moral, and historical heritage. Christianity and the rule of law have been under attack by radical progressives who dare to upend Western civilization and steer America’s youth away from the morals that made our country great. Placing the Ten Commandments in every classroom in Texas affirms that we are a Judeo-Christian nation, upholding our historical and moral heritage and proclaiming the Ten Commandments as a guiding path for a righteous way of life.”
The amicus brief is part of ongoing litigation regarding Texas Senate Bill 10 (S.B. 10), which requires public schools to display copies of the Ten Commandments using text previously upheld by the Supreme Court.
Several other senators and representatives joined Cruz, Cornyn, Johnson, and Roy on this brief.
Senator Cruz has played a prominent role in recent elections; he won reelection campaigns against Colin Allred in 2024 (53.1%–44.6%), Beto O'Rourke in 2018 (50.9%–48.3%), and Paul Sadler in 2012 (56.5%–40.6%).
