Louisiana has become the first state in the United States to mandate the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom. This new law, signed by Republican Governor Jeff Landry on Wednesday, requires the commandments to be prominently displayed in all public classrooms, including elementary, middle, high schools, and state-funded universities.
Details of the Law
The law specifies that the Ten Commandments must be displayed on posters that are at least 11 by 14 inches, with the commandments in a large, easily readable font. Additionally, these posters will include a four-paragraph context statement explaining that the Ten Commandments were a significant part of American public education for nearly three centuries. The statement will assert that the commandments are foundational documents of both state and national government.
Supporters of the law, such as State Representative Dodie Horton, argue that the Ten Commandments are not solely religious texts but also historical documents that have significantly influenced U.S. law. Horton emphasized the importance of students being exposed to these moral codes, stating, “It doesn’t preach a certain religion, but it definitely shows what a moral code we all should live by is.” Governor Landry echoed this sentiment, stating, “If you want to respect the rule of law, you’ve got to start from the original law giver, which was Moses.”
The legislation allows for other historical documents to be displayed in public schools, although it does not require them. These documents include the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence, and the Northwest Ordinance, which established a government in the Northwest Territory.
Opposition and Legal Challenges
Critics, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation, have vowed to challenge the law in court. They argue that the mandate is unconstitutional and violates the separation of church and state. In a joint statement, these groups said, “Our public schools are not Sunday schools, and students of all faiths, or no faith, should feel welcome in them.”
Legal experts point to a 1980 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down a similar Kentucky law as unconstitutional. The court found that the law had no secular purpose and was solely religious, thus violating the establishment clause of the First Amendment. Charles C. Haynes, a senior fellow at the Freedom Forum and an expert in religious liberty and civil discourse, expressed skepticism about the Louisiana law’s constitutionality, stating, “I think they are overreaching, even this court will have a hard time justifying what lawmakers have conceived.”
Broader Implications and Conservative Agenda
This legislation is part of a broader conservative agenda being pushed by the GOP-dominated Louisiana Legislature under Governor Landry, who took office in January 2024. Following eight years under Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards, Republicans have moved swiftly to pass conservative measures. These measures include stricter criminal justice policies, such as rolling back previous reforms, lengthening sentences for certain offenses, and limiting access to parole. Additionally, lawmakers have passed bills to designate abortion pills as dangerous controlled substances and allow judges to order the surgical castration of child sex offenders.
Proponents of the Ten Commandments law are prepared for a legal battle, hoping that the current Supreme Court, which has shown a greater willingness to rule in favor of religious rights, might uphold the law. They cite recent rulings, such as the 2022 decision that allowed a high school football coach to pray on the field, as signs of a more favorable judicial climate. Matt Krause, a lawyer for the First Liberty Institute, a nonprofit legal organization defending religious expression, remarked on the changing legal landscape, stating, “The climate is certainly better.”
This article is based on the following articles:
https://www.npr.org/2024/06/19/nx-s1-5012597/louisiana-10-commandments-law-public-school-classrooms
Background Information
The Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments are a set of religious and moral imperatives that, according to religious tradition, were given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. They are found in the Bible, specifically in the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy, and are significant in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The commandments include directives to worship only God, honor one’s parents, and prohibitions against murder, theft, and adultery.
The Establishment Clause of the First Amendment
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution includes the establishment clause, which states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” This clause is interpreted to mean that the government cannot promote or favor any religion. The principle of separation of church and state is derived from this clause, aiming to ensure that government actions remain neutral regarding religious matters.
Historical Context of Religion in Public Schools
The role of religion in public schools has been a contentious issue in the United States. Historically, many public schools included religious instruction and activities. However, over time, legal decisions and societal changes have led to a greater emphasis on maintaining a secular public school system. The landmark Supreme Court case Engel v. Vitale (1962) ruled that it is unconstitutional for state officials to compose an official school prayer and encourage its recitation in public schools. This decision reinforced the separation of church and state in the context of public education.
Legal Precedents
The Supreme Court has ruled on several cases regarding religious displays and activities in public schools:
- Stone v. Graham (1980): The Supreme Court struck down a Kentucky law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. The court ruled that the law had no secular purpose and was an endorsement of religion, thus violating the establishment clause.
- Lee v. Weisman (1992): The court ruled that it was unconstitutional for public schools to sponsor clerics to conduct prayer at graduation ceremonies.
- Santa Fe Independent School District v. Doe (2000): The court held that student-led, student-initiated prayer at high school football games violated the establishment clause.
- Kennedy v. Bremerton School District (2022): The court ruled in favor of a high school football coach who prayed on the field after games, stating that his actions were protected under the First Amendment. This ruling signaled a shift towards greater accommodation of religious expression in public settings.
Current Legal and Political Climate
The current composition of the Supreme Court has led to speculation that it may be more receptive to arguments favoring religious expression in public spaces. Recent decisions have indicated a trend towards supporting religious rights. This context has emboldened conservative lawmakers to pursue legislation that they believe may withstand judicial scrutiny.
Governor Jeff Landry and the Louisiana Legislature
Jeff Landry, a Republican, became the Governor of Louisiana in January 2024. Under his leadership, the GOP-dominated Legislature has pursued a conservative agenda, passing laws that reflect their ideological priorities. This includes legislation related to criminal justice, abortion, and now, the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools. Landry and his supporters argue that these measures reflect the values and historical foundations of the United States.
Opposition and Civil Liberties Organizations
Organizations such as the ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation advocate for the strict separation of church and state. They argue that government actions that favor or endorse a particular religion infringe upon the religious freedoms of individuals and violate the constitutional principle of neutrality in religious matters. These groups have a history of challenging laws and policies that they view as unconstitutional.
Debate/Essay Questions
- Should the Ten Commandments be considered purely religious texts, or do they hold significant historical value that justifies their display in public schools?
- Can the inclusion of a context statement explaining the historical significance of the Ten Commandments mitigate concerns about the separation of church and state?
- What are the potential impacts of displaying the Ten Commandments on students who come from diverse religious or non-religious backgrounds?
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