Arguments about the separation of church and state heat up as a Louisiana federal court prepares to hear a challenge against a law requiring the Ten Commandments in public schools. This isn’t just a local issue; it could have a wider impact on how we view religion’s role in education.
All 17 judges of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will weigh in on this case. They’ll also consider a similar lawsuit from Texas. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton believes these cases are vital to understanding how public education interacts with the country’s religious roots. He feels the issues warrant a full-panel review.
What’s notable is that the 5th Circuit is mainly made up of conservative judges, which could sway the outcome. Law professor Dane Ciolino pointed out that a 1980 U.S. Supreme Court ruling already made it clear: states can’t require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in schools. If this case goes to the Supreme Court, it could further ignite a longstanding debate about the First Amendment’s establishment clause, which prevents the government from favoring one religion over another.
Both the Texas and Louisiana laws call for the Protestant version of the Ten Commandments. This version differs from those used by Catholics and Jews, raising questions about inclusivity in a diverse educational setting.
In Texas, a lawsuit from a group of parents and religious leaders aims to block a law that mandates displaying the Ten Commandments in every classroom by September 2025. The parents argue that their children come from various faith backgrounds and shouldn’t be subjected to daily religious texts.
The judge in Texas temporarily sided with the parents, but officials are pushing back, appealing the decision. Similarly, in Louisiana, a judge struck down the state’s requirement, saying it was unconstitutional. The state’s Attorney General plans to appeal that ruling as well.
A panel of appeals judges, some of whom were appointed by both Democratic and Republican presidents, recently upheld the Louisiana ruling, signaling that this issue crosses partisan lines.
Before the upcoming hearing, Texas state Rep. Candy Noble voiced her support for the law, saying that including the Ten Commandments in classrooms would educate students about their significance in American history.
As these cases unfold, they could reshape how we view the intersection of education and religion in the U.S., a topic that’s sparked much debate.
For more on this legal battle and its implications, visit the Texas Attorney General’s website or follow ongoing coverage from the New York Times.
The outcome of these cases could significantly influence not just Texas and Louisiana, but public education across the nation.
