An Arkansas law requiring that the Ten Commandments be prominently displayed in public school classrooms was struck down by a federal judge.
An Arkansas law requiring that the Ten Commandments be prominently displayed in public school classrooms was struck down last week by a federal judge, one of a number of legal challenges to state laws that incorporate religion in public schools.
The Arkansas law is similar to statutes being pushed by Republicans, including President Trump. Louisiana and Texas have also enacted laws requiring the Ten Commandments be displayed in classrooms. Each mandate has faced legal challenges that many expect to eventually be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. Here is a closer look at the status of the mandates, which have stirred the long-running debate over the role of religion in government institutions. Last year, seven Arkansas families of various religious and nonreligious backgrounds filed a lawsuit challenging the state's new law requiring all public elementary and secondary schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom and library. The lawsuit named six school districts in Arkansas as defendants. Although it is unclear how many school districts or publicly funded universities have hung up posters, local media outlets have cited multiple examples over the last five months. That includes the Ten Commandments being posted at the University of Arkansas on the Fayetteville campus, the Arkansas Advocate reported in October. Critics argue that the mandate is unconstitutional and violates separation of church and state. Proponents of the legislation say the Ten Commandments have historical significance and are part of the foundation of the U.S. U.S. District Court Judge Timothy L. Brooks said in his written judgment that “nothing could possibly justify hanging the Ten Commandments — with or without historical context — in a calculus, chemistry, French, or woodworking class, to name a few.” Brooks, who was nominated by then-President Obama, went on to write that there is “no need to strain our minds to imagine a constitutional display mandated” by the 2025 law: “One doesn’t exist,” he wrote. Although Brooks’ judgment blocks the requirement, it’s unclear how broadly his decision can be applied — if it is limited to the specific school districts named in the lawsuit or if it applies to the entire state. Megan Bailey, a spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas, one of the groups representing the parents challenging the law, said the ruling “makes clear the law is unconstitutional.” Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in a statement that she plans to appeal the ruling and “defend our state's values.” In 2024, Louisiana became the first state to mandate poster-sized displays of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom, from kindergarten through college. Even as the challenge has wound its way through federal courts for nearly two years, a ruling last month vacated an earlier court order that had prevented the law from taking effect — clearing the way for displays to be installed in classrooms. Immediately after the Feb. 20 ruling from the full U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, Gov. Jeff Landry instructed schools to follow the law and post the Ten Commandments. The law requires schools to accept donated Ten Commandments posters, which must have “large, easily readable font.” Earlier this year, a conservative advocacy group, Louisiana Family Forum, sent posters to most of the state’s parish school systems, the New Orleans Advocate/the Times-Picayune reported. There have not yet been widespread reports of schools hanging up the posters, with some school officials expressing worries about potential litigation. However, others say it is imminent. Last year, a similar mandate in Texas took effect — marking the widest-reaching attempt in the nation to hang the Ten Commandments in public schools. With no shortage of strong opinions among teachers, parents and students, the posters began going up in classrooms as school districts accepted donations or paid to have them printed. About two dozen of the state’s roughly 1,200 school districts were barred from hanging the posters after federal judges issued injunctions in cases against the law. In January, the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments over the Texas law, and litigation is pending. Cline writes for the Associated Press.
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.
High Point's March Madness Run Ends After Arkansas VictoryHigh Point University's Cinderella run in the NCAA Tournament concluded with a hard-fought loss to Arkansas. Despite a strong performance by Rob Martin and Cam'Ron Fletcher, the Razorbacks pulled away late in the game, fueled by Darius Acuff Jr.'s dominant performance. Arkansas advances to the Sweet 16.
Read more »
Arkansas Governor Reacts to Restaurant Incident, Criticizes 'Crazy' BehaviorArkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders discusses an incident where she was asked to leave a restaurant, characterizing the event as an example of 'crazy' behavior and contrasting it with the values of most Americans. She emphasizes the importance of kindness and unity amidst political divisions.
Read more »
Texas Rep. Talarico Claims God is Beyond GenderTexas Representative James Talarico stated that God is beyond gender in response to a question about God's genitalia. He cited the Apostle Paul and criticized the display of the Ten Commandments in schools. Talarico's comments were made during discussions about a bill protecting female sports. Republican figures criticized his statements, citing the historical importance of the Ten Commandments and modern scientific views on sex.
Read more »
Former Big Ten Running Back Reveals SEC Football is 'Way Different' Than The Big TenA former Big Ten and SEC running back has recently revealed that football in the SEC is 'way different' than the Big Ten.
Read more »
DraftKings Arkansas Promo Code: Bet $5, Get $300 Instantly for Arkansas vs Alabama on ThursdayNo DraftKings Arkansas promo code needed to claim $300 bonus bets on Arkansas vs Arizona. Bet $5, get $300 instantly for Thursday's game.
Read more »
Mid-Major Games Definite Trouble for SEC Baseball TeamsArkansas Razorbacks part of calculated decision for programs like Central Arkansas Bears
Read more »