Court Blocks Louisiana Law Requiring Schools to Post Ten Commandments in Classrooms

Introduction to the Case

A panel of three federal appellate judges has ruled that a Louisiana law requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in each of the state’s public school classrooms is unconstitutional. This ruling on Friday marked a major win for civil liberties groups who say the mandate violates the separation of church and state, and that the poster-sized displays would isolate students — especially those who are not Christian.

Background of the Law

The mandate has been touted by Republicans, including President Donald Trump, and marks one of the latest pushes by conservatives to incorporate religion into classrooms. Backers of the law argue the Ten Commandments belong in classrooms because they are historical and part of the foundation of U.S. law. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ order stems from a lawsuit filed last year by parents of Louisiana school children from various religious backgrounds, who said the law violates First Amendment language guaranteeing religious liberty and forbidding government establishment of religion.

Legal Proceedings

The mandate was signed into law last June by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry. The court’s ruling backs an order issued last fall by U.S. District Judge John deGravelles, who declared the mandate unconstitutional and ordered state education officials not to take steps to enforce it and to notify all local school boards in the state of his decision. Law experts have long said they expect the Louisiana case to make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court, testing the conservative court on the issue of religion and government.

Historical Context

In 1980, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a similar Kentucky law violated the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which says Congress can “make no law respecting an establishment of religion.” The high court found that the law had no secular purpose but served a plainly religious purpose. In 2005, the Supreme Court held that such displays in a pair of Kentucky courthouses violated the Constitution. At the same time, the court upheld a Ten Commandments marker on the grounds of the Texas state Capitol in Austin.

Impact and Reaction

By SARA CLINE and JACK BROOK

The ruling has significant implications for the ongoing debate about the role of religion in public schools. Civil liberties groups have hailed the decision as a victory for the separation of church and state, while conservative groups have expressed disappointment and vowed to continue fighting for the right to display the Ten Commandments in public schools.

Conclusion

The court’s decision to block the Louisiana law requiring schools to post the Ten Commandments in classrooms is a significant development in the ongoing debate about the role of religion in public schools. The ruling underscores the importance of upholding the separation of church and state and ensuring that public schools remain a welcoming and inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds and faiths. As the case is expected to make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court, it will be important to continue monitoring developments and considering the potential implications for public education and religious freedom.

FAQs

• Q: What was the ruling of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals regarding the Louisiana law?
  • A: The court ruled that the law requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in each of the state’s public school classrooms is unconstitutional.
• Q: Who filed the lawsuit against the Louisiana law?
  • A: Parents of Louisiana school children from various religious backgrounds filed the lawsuit.
• Q: What is the expected next step in the case?
  • A: Law experts expect the case to make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court, testing the conservative court on the issue of religion and government.
• Q: What similar cases have been decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in the past?
  • A: The Supreme Court has ruled on similar cases in 1980 and 2005, finding that such displays can violate the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
• Q: When was the mandate signed into law by Republican Gov. Jeff Landry?
  • A: The mandate was signed into law last June.
• Q: What was the reaction of civil liberties groups to the court’s ruling?
  • A: Civil liberties groups hailed the decision as a victory for the separation of church and state.
    Originally Published: June 20, 2025 at 4:35 PM EDT