Why the US faces legal battles over Ten Commandments display in schools
A wave of legal challenges is emerging across the US over laws that mandate the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. At the center of these disputes is a growing tension between religious symbolism and constitutional protections of religious freedom.Most recently, a group of seven families in the state of Arkansas has filed a federal lawsuit, arguing that a new law requiring the posting of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms infringes on their constitutional rights. As reported by the Associated Press, the law is set to take effect in August and was signed earlier this year by Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.Families say law promotes religious coercionThe families, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom from Religion Foundation, argue that the law violates the First Amendment. Their complaint states that forcing religious texts into public education “unconstitutionally pressures students into religious observance, veneration, and adoption of the state’s favored religious scripture,” as quoted by the Associated Press.The lawsuit specifically challenges the permanent and prominent placement of the Ten Commandments in classrooms and libraries, which the plaintiffs say creates an environment of religious coercion. The families involved in the case include those who identify as Jewish, Unitarian Universalist, or nonreligious. They plan to request a preliminary injunction to prevent the law from being enforced when schools reopen.Legal precedent and national implicationsAccording to attorneys for the plaintiffs, the Arkansas law defies long-standing US Supreme Court rulings on the separation of church and state. They argue it contradicts established precedent that prohibits government-endorsed religious displays in public education. Samantha Stinson, one of the plaintiffs, said the law would “create an unwelcoming and religiously coercive school environment” and “infringe on our rights as parents,” as reported by the Associated Press.Though Arkansas is currently under legal scrutiny, it is not alone. Louisiana passed a similar law, but its enforcement was blocked by a federal judge before it was set to take effect. As noted by the Associated Press, no school in Louisiana has posted the Ten Commandments yet, as litigation is ongoing. Texas is also expected to adopt a comparable law, with the governor expressing support.Officials respond cautiously amid legal reviewThe lawsuit names four school districts—Fayetteville, Bentonville, Siloam Springs, and Springdale—as defendants. A spokesperson for Fayetteville schools told the Associated Press the district would not comment on pending litigation, while the other three districts have not responded. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said his office is reviewing the lawsuit and considering its legal options, according to the Associated Press.As debates over religious freedom and public education escalate, the outcome of these cases could shape how religion is treated in classrooms across the US.
