Louisiana recently became the first state to mandate the display of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms, following the signing of a bill by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry. The bill, known as H.B. 71, stipulates that a poster-sized display of the Ten Commandments must be prominently featured in every public classroom, from kindergartens to state-funded universities. This move has sparked controversy and drawn criticism from civil rights groups, who argue that it violates the separation of church and state as enshrined in the First Amendment. The American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana, along with other organizations, has announced plans to legally challenge the law, citing concerns about religious coercion and government interference in matters of faith.
While supporters of the law, such as Matt Krause of the First Liberty Institute, commend Louisiana for recognizing the historical significance of the Ten Commandments, opponents maintain that the law sends a troubling message to students and families who do not adhere to the state’s particular religious beliefs. The debate over the constitutionality of such a law echoes past legal battles, such as the 1980 Supreme Court ruling that struck down a similar Kentucky law for violating the establishment clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Despite the impending legal challenge, the Louisiana law is set to take effect, with the displays required to be in classrooms by the beginning of 2025. The law specifies that the cost of the posters will be covered by donations rather than state funds, and it also allows for the optional display of other historical documents like the Mayflower Compact and the Declaration of Independence in public schools.
While Louisiana is the first state to enact such a mandate, other states like Texas and Oklahoma have considered similar bills in the past. However, these proposals have faced obstacles in the form of legal threats and concerns over constitutionality. As the debate over the role of religion in public education continues, the Louisiana law sets a precedent that could have far-reaching implications for the intersection of faith and government in the classroom.