Louisiana became the first state to mandate the display of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms, following the signing of a bill by Republican Governor Jeff Landry. Under the new law, a poster-sized display of the commandments in “large, easily readable font” is required across all educational institutions, from kindergartens to state-funded universities. This move has sparked controversy, with the American Civil Liberties Union gearing up to challenge the legislation for violating the separation of church and state.
Proponents of the law argue that the display holds historical significance and aligns with the state’s values. The posters, along with a contextual statement, are expected to be in place by 2025 and will be funded through donations. Similar initiatives have been proposed in Texas and Oklahoma but have faced obstacles due to concerns about constitutionality.
Despite the impending legal battle, Governor Landry remains steadfast in his support for the law, emphasizing the importance of upholding tradition and educating students on the foundations of American and Louisiana law.