Louisiana Puts Hold on Implementing Ten Commandments in Classrooms as Law Faces Legal Challenge

An accord has been reached to temporarily halt the inclusion of the Ten Commandments in Louisiana schools’ classrooms while a legal challenge from opposed parents regarding a new decree mandating such displays undergoes court proceedings.

U.S. District Judge John DeGravelles in Baton Rouge endorsed a compromise agreement on Friday, putting on hold the placement of religious exhibits in schools until at least Nov. 15, as prescribed by a recent state law, slated for full implementation by Jan. 1, 2025, across all K-12 public school classrooms and state-funded colleges and universities. The posters and framed images, a minimum of 11-by-14 inches, could have been installed once the classes commence next month.

As per the federal court docket, a hearing related to the lawsuit, initiated by the parent plaintiffs, has been scheduled for Sept. 30 by DeGravelles, who was appointed to the federal bench by former President Barack Obama.

Furthermore, the agreement forbids the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education from formulating any regulations concerning Ten Commandment exhibits in public schools until Nov. 15.

The defense of the state in the lawsuit brought forth by the parents of nine public school students is being handled by Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill’s office. Spokesperson Lester Duhé emphasized via text message that the agreement does not cast a negative light on the new law.

“The law is not ‘paused,’ ‘blocked’ or ‘halted,’” clarified Duhé in his message. “At the district court’s requests, the named defendants … agreed not to take public-facing compliance measures until November 15 to allow sufficient time for briefing, oral argument, and a decision.”

Murrill reiterated Duhé’s stance in a subsequent text message, further asserting that the judge dismissed the expedited briefing schedule due to the absence of any justifiable occurrence necessitating such.

Governor Jeff Landry has fervently supported the new law, reiterating its significance in an interview with Nexstar Television at the Republican National Convention. Emphasizing its potential impact, he implied that the Ten Commandments could have thwarted the recent assassination attempt against former President Trump.

Counsel representing the plaintiffs argue that the newly enacted law contravenes the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution as it is viewed as an endorsement of religion by the state.

The groups representing the plaintiffs, including the American Civil Liberties Union, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom from Religion Foundation, have not responded immediately to a request for comment from their legal representatives.