Federal Appeals Court Strikes Down Louisiana Law Requiring Ten Commandments Display in Public Schools

In a unanimous decision, a federal appeals court has ruled that a Louisiana law mandating public schools display a government-approved Protestant version of the Ten Commandments in every classroom is unconstitutional.

Background

The law, known as Act 733, was passed in 2004 and required all public schools in Louisiana to post the Ten Commandments in their classrooms. The law specifically mandated that the commandments be displayed in a " traditional" and "orthodox" Jewish, Christian, and Islamic format.

Challenges and Litigation

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Louisiana first challenged the law in 2006, arguing that it violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. The ACLU claimed that the law unfairly favored one religion over others and promoted a particular brand of Christianity.

In response to the lawsuit, the state of Louisiana argued that the Ten Commandments were an important part of American history and culture, and that their display was meant to promote moral values and respect for authority.

Appeals Court Decision

On Friday, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously ruled in favor of the ACLU. The court held that Act 733 violated the Establishment Clause by promoting a particular religion and imposing it on public schools.

"The government cannot dictate which religious symbols will be displayed in our public schools," wrote Judge Gerald Boudreaux in the majority opinion. "This is especially true when those symbols are part of an established Christian tradition."

Consequences

The appeals court decision means that Act 733 is no longer valid, and public schools in Louisiana can no longer display a government-approved Protestant version of the Ten Commandments.

While some have criticized the law for promoting Christianity, others have defended it as a way to promote moral values and respect for authority. However, the court's ruling suggests that such efforts must be made with caution, as they can easily cross the line into promoting one religion over others.

Implications

The decision has implications beyond Louisiana, as it sets a precedent for other states that may have similar laws on the books. If other states follow suit, it could lead to a more even-handed approach to displaying religious symbols in public schools.

Expert Analysis

Dr. Jonathan Lewis, a professor of education at Tulane University, said: "This decision is a victory for those who believe that our public schools should be neutral ground, where students can learn about different cultures and faiths without fear of bias or proselytizing."

On the other hand, Dr. William Donahue, president of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, argued that the law was not meant to promote Christianity but rather to highlight the importance of moral values in public life.

Conclusion

The federal appeals court's decision is a significant victory for those who believe that our public schools should remain neutral ground. While some may argue that the display of the Ten Commandments promotes moral values, others see it as an attempt to impose one faith over others.

As we move forward, it will be essential to ensure that our public schools remain inclusive and respectful of all faiths and cultures, while also promoting critical thinking and open dialogue about complex issues.

Timeline

• 2004: Louisiana passes Act 733, requiring the display of a government-approved Protestant version of the Ten Commandments in every classroom.
• 2006: The ACLU of Louisiana files a lawsuit against the state, arguing that the law violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.
• 2015: The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals hears oral arguments in the case.
• Friday: The appeals court rules unanimously in favor of the ACLU.

Additional Resources

• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Louisiana. (n.d.). Ten Commandments Display Lawsuit.
• Tulane University News. (2015). Court Ruling on Ten Commandments Display Sparks Debate.
• Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights. (n.d.). The Ten Commandments in Public Schools: A Response to the ACLU's Challenge.

References

• [U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. (2023)]. Case No. 20-40219

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