Protect parental rights, avoid state-mandated religious displays in schools

The requirement to display the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms raises valid concerns about respecting the diverse beliefs and parental rights of all Texans. While some may view the Commandments as foundational to American history, mandating their display could make students of other faiths or no faith feel excluded or pressured to adopt beliefs contrary to their families' values. As parents, we should have the ability to introduce such teachings to our children according to our own convictions, without the state promoting a particular religious doctrine in the classroom. Forcing this biblical text upon all students infringes on the reasonable expectation that public schools will provide an inclusive, secular education respectful of different worldviews. I urge you to reconsider this policy and protect the rights of parents to guide the religious upbringing of their children according to their own consciences.