Schools and the Ten Commandments: A Legal Showdown

A Federal Appeals Court to Hear Arguments in January

In a significant legal showdown, a federal appeals court is set to hear arguments in January regarding the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools across Texas and Louisiana. The controversy began when lower courts ruled that the states' laws permitting such displays were unconstitutional.

The Controversial Laws

Texas

• Law Passed: Requires every public classroom to hang a poster of the Ten Commandments.
• Challenge: Families from diverse religious backgrounds sued, arguing the law favors one religion and violates their freedom.
• Outcome: A judge agreed and blocked the law in many school districts.

Louisiana

• Similar Law: Also blocked by the same appeals court.

Key Arguments

Opponents

• ACLU and Other Groups: Argued that the state cannot endorse a religious text.
• First Amendment Violation: The version of the Ten Commandments in the law is from a Protestant translation, which they claim is unconstitutional.

Supporters

• Texas Officials: Believe the Ten Commandments are foundational to U.S. law and history.
• Moral Education: Supporters argue that the Commandments teach students about the moral roots of American law.

Legal Expert Opinions

• Potential Supreme Court Case: Legal experts suggest the case could reach the U.S. Supreme Court, which has recently shifted its stance on religion in public life.
• Alternative Solutions: One judge noted that students can learn about the Ten Commandments' history without the state mandating a specific version in every classroom.

Impact on Schools

The outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching consequences for schools nationwide, influencing how religious texts are handled in public education.