Law on Ten Commandments in Schools Overturned by Judge

A federal judge in Louisiana has struck down a law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public schools, igniting a heated debate over religious expression in classrooms.

At a Glance

U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles ruled the Louisiana law unconstitutional, citing First Amendment violations.
The law required the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public K-12 classrooms and state-funded universities.
Louisiana Attorney General Elizabeth Murrill plans to appeal the decision.
The ruling prevents state education officials from enforcing the law and mandates notification to all local school boards.
Similar bills in other states have faced legal challenges, reflecting a broader conservative push to incorporate religion in classrooms.

Judge Strikes Down Ten Commandments Law

In a ruling that has sent shockwaves through Louisiana’s education system, U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles has temporarily blocked a state law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. The judge declared the law “unconstitutional on its face and in every application,” citing violations of the First Amendment’s free exercise and establishment clauses.

The law, which was set to take effect on January 1, 2025, mandated that the Ten Commandments be prominently displayed in all public K-12 classrooms and state-funded universities. Supporters of the law, including Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Elizabeth Murrill, argued that it reinstated important historical and cultural values in education.

Federal judge rules Louisiana law requiring Ten Commandments to be in all public schools unconstitutional https://t.co/SDfVRStqRP

— KSDK News (@ksdknews) November 13, 2024

Legal Challenges and Constitutional Concerns

The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by parents of public school students, represented by the ACLU and other organizations. The plaintiffs, who come from various religious backgrounds, contended that the law violated U.S. Supreme Court precedent and the Constitution’s separation of church and state.

Judge deGravelles noted in his ruling that no other key documents, such as the Constitution or the Bill of Rights, are required for display in schools. This observation underscored the law’s apparent religious motivation, which the judge found problematic under constitutional scrutiny.

Broader Implications and Reactions

The Louisiana case is not isolated. Similar bills have been proposed in other states, including Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah, reflecting a broader conservative push to incorporate religious elements into public education. However, many of these initiatives have faced legal challenges and have not gone into effect.

The ruling has elicited strong reactions from both supporters and opponents of the law. While some parents expressed disappointment, others, including teachers and civil liberties advocates, welcomed the decision as a protection of religious freedom and inclusivity in public schools.

Next Steps and Potential Appeal

Attorney General Elizabeth Murrill has announced plans to appeal the decision, arguing that it only applies to the five specific school boards involved in the lawsuit. This stance has created some confusion regarding the law’s applicability to other school districts in the state.

“The order itself creates confusion with regard to whether other school boards are subject to it,” Murrill said. “Legally, they’re not. But I think it’s plain intent was to create confusion.” – Attorney General Elizabeth Murrill

As the legal battle continues, the case highlights the ongoing tension between religious expression and the constitutional separation of church and state in American public schools. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for similar laws and initiatives across the country.