The Ten Commandments are said to be one of the new implementations in public schools throughout Louisiana. Will more states follow, and would everyone agree?” Here’s the story.
The First Start
The New York Post reported that Louisiana was one of the first states to implement the display of the biblical Ten Commandments.
A Deeper Faith
In a 2020 published interview with the New York Post, Fraser Heston, Charlton Heston’s son, said he played the part of baby Moses. He starred in the 1956 film The Ten Commandments. He also said the Ten Commandments and movies like that had “deepened his father’s faith.”
Starting From the First Laws
Jeff Landry, the Governor of Louisiana, said, “If you want to respect the rule of law, you gotta start from the original law given, which was Moseses…. He got his commandments from God.” He said this during a bill signing ceremony in Lafayette.
Approved Bill
House Bill 71 (HB71), Act 676, for the Display of the Ten Commandments in each classroom at public schools in Louisiana. According to the Louisiana State Legislature, the Bill is effective from June 19, 2024.
Further Requirements of the Bill
The new law also requires The Ten Commandments to hang in classrooms starting from kindergarten through to universities throughout Louisiana by 2025.
Religion in Schools
According to NPR News, there have been many movements and reported implementations from the conservative side to get Christianity and religion back into learning institutions.
Bible Studies
One of Oklahoma’s education head officials has reportedly ordered public schools “to implement bible studies.”
Possible Chaplains in Florida Schools
Under the DeSantis leadership, one of Florida’s legislations would also reportedly allow volunteer Chaplains. These chaplains are religious leaders or religious representatives who will counsel children at public schools. Florida Phoenix reported that the implementation of chaplains in local schools could start in early July.
Religious Leaders Advise on Mental Wellness
In Texas, a law was passed allowing schools to pay religious leaders to advise and “work in mental health roles.”
A Huge Influence on Republican Upbringing
It was reported to the New York Post that “The Ten Commandments were a prominent part of American public education for nearly three centuries.”
More American History in Schools
There were also reported talks about having the “Mayflower Compact,” “Declaration of Independence,” and the “North West Ordinance” in classrooms, too. However, whether or not it would be compulsory for these three additions is yet to be seen.
No Funding From the State
The state is reportedly not funding the Bill for the Ten Commandments in public schools. Instead, the individual institutions are said to each fund it privately or via donations.
Not Everyone Agrees
Having signed the bill was one thing. However, several groups are “threatening” to fight the bill in court.
Civil Unions Fighting Against the HB71
Reports said the American Civil Liberties Union and the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana oppose the Bill.
More Unions Stand Together
The two unions, along with Americans United for Separation of Church and State, plus the Freedom From Religion Foundation, have unanimously agreed to challenge the Bill.
Constitutional Rights “Violated”
The Union groups have stated that the new Bill is “blatantly unconstitutional” and violated the constitutional law that separates the church and state.
Not the First Time
It’s not the first time the request to instate a law displaying the Ten Commandments in schools was proposed.
The Stone V. Graham
In the Stone v. Graham Supreme Court Case of 1980, according to Oyez.org, a “5-to-4 per curium decision, the court ruled that it violated the Establishment Clause of the Constitution.” The court also further said The Ten Commandments had “No secular legislative purpose” and further said that it was “plainly religious in nature.”
Students Should “Feel Safe in Schools”
The Unions gearing up to fight the Bill have also commented that “All students should feel safe and welcome in our public schools. They further added that the Bill would defy the purpose.
Wait and See
The true outcomes of the newly instated Bill are yet to be seen since various opposing opinions exist.
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