Fox News Channel offers its audiences in-depth news reporting, along with opinion and analysis encompassing the principles of free people, free markets and diversity of thought, as an alternative to the left-of-center offerings of the news marketplace.
A federal judge in Arkansas has permanently blocked several school districts from displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms on Monday, calling the state law a tool for 'proselytizing' children. In April 2025, Arkansas passed Act 573, aiming to return the Ten Commandments to public schools.
Supported by Republicans, including Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, supporters argued they are a foundational document for American law and history. U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, struck down the law for several major districts on March 16. Brooks argued the law’s only purpose was to spread religious doctrine rather than serve a secular educational goal. 'Act 573’s purpose is only to display a sacred, religious text in a prominent place in every public-school classroom,' Brooks wrote. FEDERAL JUDGE RULES PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL VIOLATED CHURCH'S FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS 'And the only reason to display a sacred, religious text in every classroom is to proselytize to children. The State has said the quiet part out loud,' he added. The judge also referred to the law as 'coercive,' claiming it 'admits there is no educational purpose in displaying the Ten Commandments.' The specific version of the Ten Commandments comes from the Protestant King James Bible. Several parents cited in the lawsuit practice different faiths, including Judaism, Catholicism, and Unitarianism, or do not practice a religion and took issue with the posters in school. FEDERAL JUDGE RULES LAW REQUIRING DISPLAY OF TEN COMMANDMENTS IN TEXAS CLASSROOMS UNCONSTITUTIONAL Brooks noted that because the posters are on the walls of the school, students are unable to avoid reading them. He wrote: 'Children cannot similarly avoid reading the Ten Commandments posted in their classrooms for thirteen years of compulsory schooling.' The ruling is not a statewide ban but impacts several large school districts in Arkansas. It comes after the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals cleared the way for a similar law to move forward in Louisiana, requiring the Ten Commandments posters in schools. CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS WILL NOW ALLOW BIBLE COLLEGE STUDENTS INTO ITS TEACHING PROGRAM, AFTER LAWSUIT If courts remain split on the issue, it could reach the Supreme Court. Arkansas leaders are already vowing to fight back. In a statement to Fox News Digital, Gov. Sanders wrote, 'In Arkansas, we do in fact believe that murder is wrong and stealing is bad. It is entirely appropriate to display the Ten Commandments — the basis of all Western law and morality — as a reminder to students, state employees, and every Arkansan who enters a government building, and I look forward to appealing this suit and defending our state’s values.' The Arkansas Attorney General’s office confirmed the state intends to appeal the ruling. Jeff LeMaster, communications director for Attorney General Tim Griffin, told Fox News Digital, 'We are reviewing the opinion and will appeal.' CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Arkansas Band Director Allegedly Sexually Assaulted TeenA middle school and high school band director in Arkansas allegedly sexually assaulted a teen and begged the victim’s mother not to go to police
Read more »
2026 March Madness prediction: Why we're targeting a deep Arkansas runLet’s dive into an early best bet for March Madness 2026, as this SEC team is riding the hot hand of their heralded freshmen point guard.
Read more »
Southern Miss Coach Reveals Message to Team Following Series Loss to Arkansas StateGolden Eagles head coach Christian Ostrander was 'disappointed' in his team's effort over the weekend in Jonesboro, and is looking for a bounce-back performance on Tuesday night in Biloxi.
Read more »
Ole Miss Football Hires Experienced Arkansas Razorbacks Assistant to Elite StaffPete Golding and Co. make another hire this week with the addition of an SEC analyst, staff continues taking shape this offseason.
Read more »
Hawaii Has Just Enough Right Things to Cause Arkansas Razorbacks TroubleCalipari history of locking unknown teams into history forever may work against Hogs
Read more »
Judge Blocks Arkansas Law Requiring Ten Commandments in Every ClassroomFearless Independent Journalism
Read more »