Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated a lawsuit against Galveston Independent School District (ISD) following the school board's decision to decline the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms, which he claims contravenes Texas law. Paxton stated, "America is a Christian nation, and it is imperative that we display the very values and timeless truths that have historically guided the success of our country." He criticized the school district for allegedly disregarding both legislative directives and the historical legal framework of the nation.

This legal action comes after a Galveston ISD board meeting where members voted against compliance with Senate Bill 10, a recently enacted law mandating public schools to exhibit the Ten Commandments. In a legal advisory issued to all Texas public school districts, Paxton reaffirmed the state's intention to enforce SB 10 and expressed readiness to assist districts that comply with the law.

Paxton further asserted that there is no legitimate legal justification for preventing Texas schools from recognizing a foundational aspect of the legal system, challenging the interpretation of the phrase "separation of church and state" as it does not appear in the Constitution. He has directed all school districts not currently involved in litigation to display the Ten Commandments in accordance with Texas law.