Bech-Loughlin First Amendment Center

Event Series

Semester

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Series Contacts

Steven T. Collis
steven.collis@law.utexas.edu
Sandra Garcia
sandra.garcia@law.utexas.edu
Violet Rose Marcinek
violet.marcinek@law.utexas.edu

The Bech-Loughlin First Amendment Center promotes understanding and appreciation of the First Amendment through scholarship, debate, and civil discourse. Founded on the belief that open discussion is vital to democracy and the rule of law, the Center hosts events such as lectures, book launches, the Bowden Fellow Speakers Series, and forums for diverse and dissenting views.

Upcoming Events

Prescribing Religion: The Ten Commandments on Classroom Walls

Tuesday November 10, 2026

11:50am - 12:50pm

TNH 2.140 Wright Classroom

Moderator

Steven T. Collis

Do laws requiring the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms violate the Establishment Clause? Professor Nathan Chapman (University of Georgia Law) joins us to analyze the constitutionality of state laws that require the posting of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, arguing that many of them are best seen as prescribing particular religious beliefs and conduct, in violation of the Establishment Clause. Applying a historical understanding of an “Establishment of Religion” and considering the contexts of each mandated display, his paper concludes that several of these statutes are unconstitutional.

Lunch will be provided. Please register at the link.