Brownsville and McAllen school districts under investigation over display of Ten Commandments
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The Brownsville and McAllen independent school districts are under investigation to ensure they are displaying the Ten Commandments, according to a news release from the office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Paxton announced the statewide investigation into multiple public school districts weeks after an appeals court ruled that Texas can enforce Senate Bill 10, a state law requiring public schools to display donated posters of the Ten Commandments in classrooms.
Nearly 30 school districts are under investigation. The Brownsville and McAllen school districts were the only ones in the Rio Grande Valley named in Paxton’s news release.
The investigation also intends to ensure school boards have taken steps to implement prayer in schools under Senate Bill 11.
“I will always fight for students’ fundamental right to pray in our schools and work to ensure that Texas kids are able to learn from the Ten Commandments daily,” Paxton said in a statement. “Texas schools districts must comply with Texas law by displaying the Ten Commandments and taking a school board vote regarding the implementation of prayer time in schools. I will never stop defending our students’ religious freedom and the moral foundation of our nation.”
As part of this investigation, the school districts must provide proof of a board vote on the implementation of SB 11 and documents regarding the display of the Ten Commandments.
According to Paxton’s office, the districts under investigation were involved in litigation regarding SB 10 that ended when the appeals court ruled in favor of the bill.
Channel 5 News reached out to Brownsville ISD and McAllen ISD for comment.
A spokesperson for Brownsville ISD issued the following statement:
"Brownsville Independent School District acknowledges its appearance on the list released today by the Office of the Attorney General regarding the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms.
The district has been in contact with the Attorney General's Office and has provided all documentation and materials requested. To date, no donated posters have been received, and as a result, no posters have been displayed in any classroom. Once sufficient donations are received to supply posters for all classrooms, the district intends to proceed with display in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
Brownsville ISD remains committed to maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and legally compliant educational environment."
Brownsville ISD also said school board members voted against creating a specific period for prayer during a February 2026 meeting.
McAllen ISD released the following statement:
"The district is aware of the Attorney General’s announcement and will follow the law as required."
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