Louisiana's Ten Commandments Law: A Shift Towards Christian Nationalism in Public Schools

On February 20, 2024, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of a Louisiana law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms, reversing a previous decision that deemed the law "plainly unconstitutional." This ruling represents a significant victory for the Christian nationalist movement, which advocates for the integration of Christian principles into government and public education. The law is set to make Louisiana the first state to require such displays, raising concerns about the erosion of the separation of church and state.

Rolling Stone

The legal landscape surrounding religious displays in public schools has shifted dramatically over the decades. In the 1960s, the Supreme Court prohibited school prayer and mandatory Bible readings. A landmark 1980 decision, Stone v. Graham, ruled against a Kentucky law requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in classrooms, citing its religious nature. However, recent Supreme Court decisions, including a 2022 ruling allowing a football coach to pray with students, suggest a growing acceptance of religious expression in public education, setting the stage for the current Louisiana law.

Rolling Stone

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has been a vocal proponent of the Ten Commandments law, arguing that it reflects the moral fabric of civilization. He has publicly criticized the separation of church and state, claiming that the presence of the Ten Commandments could prevent violence and moral decay. In contrast, organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Americans United, and the Freedom from Religion Foundation are actively opposing the law, asserting that it infringes on the religious freedoms of Louisiana families.

Rolling Stone

Critics of the ruling express significant concern regarding its implications for religious freedom and the potential for legal challenges. The ACLU and other advocacy groups have stated that the law could lead to a "game of constitutional whack-a-mole" in public schools, where compliance with the law invites lawsuits. They argue that the ruling undermines the principle of separation of church and state, which has been a cornerstone of American democracy.

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In response to the ruling, Attorney General Liz Murrill emphasized that the law is designed to be implemented constitutionally, providing guidance to schools on how to display the Ten Commandments. She stated, “Don’t kill or steal shouldn’t be controversial.” Conversely, the ACLU and its partners expressed disappointment, stating, “Today’s ruling is extremely disappointing and would unnecessarily force Louisiana’s public school families into a game of constitutional whack-a-mole in every school district.”

Rolling Stone

As the law is poised to be implemented, it is likely to face legal challenges that could escalate to the Supreme Court. The implications of this ruling extend beyond Louisiana, potentially influencing similar legislation in other states, including Texas and Arkansas, which have faced legal challenges regarding their own Ten Commandments laws. The outcome of these cases could have far-reaching effects on the relationship between religion and public education in the United States.

Rolling Stone