Louisiana governor urges schools to display Ten Commandments 

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry is urging schools across the state to begin displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms after a federal appeals court cleared the way for a state law requiring the displays.

Landry signed House Bill 71 in 2024. The law requires every public K-12 school and public college classroom in Louisiana to display the Ten Commandments on a poster or framed document. The law also requires a statement explaining the Commandments’ historical role in American education and their influence on early American legal traditions.

Activist groups that oppose religious displays in public schools quickly filed lawsuits against the law. A lower federal court initially blocked the measure.

But the legal landscape changed recently. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit voted to allow the policy to take effect while judges debate broader constitutional questions in court.

Following the ruling, Landry sent a letter to school leaders late last month urging them to begin placing the displays in classrooms.

“The Fifth Circuit’s decision removes any obstacles to the implementation of Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law, and schools should now proceed with placing the posters in classrooms,” Landry wrote.

He also urged schools not to hesitate because of possible lawsuits.

“Schools should implement the law without fear of litigation,” Landry wrote, adding that Attorney General Liz Murrill “stands ready to defend schools” that comply with the statute.

Supporters say the displays recognize the role religious principles played in shaping American law, culture, and education. Critics argue the policy violates the Constitution.

Groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, sued Louisiana after lawmakers approved the bill. They claim the law will lead to what they describe as “unconstitutional religious coercion of students.”

Louisiana is not alone in facing legal battles over Ten Commandments displays.

Texas lawmakers passed a similar law requiring the Ten Commandments to appear in public school classrooms. Opponents challenged that measure in federal court, and judges blocked enforcement in some districts while the lawsuits continue.

Arkansas lawmakers passed a related law requiring schools and public buildings to display the Ten Commandments. Civil liberties groups have also filed lawsuits challenging that policy.

Lawmakers in several other states have introduced similar proposals in recent years as the national debate over religious expression in public schools continues to grow.

For now, Louisiana officials say schools should keep posting the Ten Commandments while courts review the law.

(Image credit: Screenshot/Fox 8)