Louisiana has become the first state in the U.S. to mandate the display of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms. The law, signed by Republican Governor Jeff Landry, requires a poster-sized display of the Ten Commandments in a "large, easily readable font" in every classroom, from kindergarten to state-funded universities.
The law, which is set to take effect in 2025, is being touted by proponents as a reflection of the historical significance of the Ten Commandments, describing them as "foundational documents of our state and national government." However, critics argue that the law infringes upon the separation of church and state and is a violation of the First Amendment. Civil liberties groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom from Religion Foundation, have announced plans to challenge the law in court.
The law also authorizes but does not require, the display of other historical documents, such as the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence, and the Northwest Ordinance, in K-12 public schools. The posters will be funded through donations, with no state funds being used for implementation.
This move comes during a new era of conservative leadership in Louisiana under Governor Landry, who replaced two-term Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards in January. The GOP holds a supermajority in the Legislature, and Republicans hold every statewide elected position, allowing for a conservative agenda to be pushed through.