In a significant legal development, a federal appeals court has permitted Louisiana to enforce a contentious law that requires the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom. The decision, delivered by the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, lifted a previous injunction, igniting fresh debates on religious expression within educational institutions.
Appeals Court Decision
On February 20, 2026, the Fifth Circuit Court voted 12-6 to repeal an earlier ruling that deemed the law unconstitutional. The majority opinion noted that the case was premature for a definitive constitutional ruling, asserting that there was insufficient evidence regarding how schools would implement the law. They stated, “The facts available do not permit judicial judgment rather than speculation,” particularly concerning the prominence of the displays and whether teachers would engage with the religious text during lessons.
This ruling comes after Louisiana became the first state to mandate such displays in 2024, stirring intense discussions about the intersection of religion and education, as well as the principle of separation of church and state. The law had faced opposition from parents representing multi-faith backgrounds who argued it infringed upon the First Amendment rights regarding religious freedom.
Divergent Opinions Among Judges
The ruling has drawn a spectrum of reactions from the judiciary. Judge James Ho, appointed by former President Trump, expressed in a concurring opinion that the law “is not just constitutional – it affirms our nation’s highest and most noble traditions.” Conversely, dissenting judges, including Clinton appointee James L. Dennis, voiced concerns that the law effectively promotes government-endorsed religion in public schools, contravening the intentions of the nation’s Founding Fathers.
In their dissent, the judges highlighted the potential implications for students, arguing that it could create an environment of religious coercion. Dennis remarked, “That is precisely the kind of establishment the Framers anticipated and sought to prevent.”
Support and Opposition
The response from state officials has been overwhelmingly supportive, particularly from Louisiana’s Republican Governor Jeff Landry, who hailed the court’s decision on social media, declaring, “Common sense is making a comeback!” Attorney General Liz Murrill echoed this sentiment, urging schools to comply with the law and disseminating examples of the required displays.
Under the new law, the Ten Commandments must be presented in a poster or framed format measuring at least 11 inches by 14 inches. The text must be prominently displayed in a large, legible font, ensuring it is the centre of attention within each classroom across public educational institutions, including colleges and universities.
However, opposition groups have been vocal in their criticism. The Freedom From Religion Foundation labelled the ruling “extremely disappointing,” warning that it would compel families to engage in ongoing legal battles against each school district’s implementation. The ACLU of Louisiana called the ruling “disgraceful and deeply harmful,” stating they would continue to pursue legal avenues to challenge the law’s validity.
Executive Director Alanah Odoms expressed deep concern for the implications this law poses on students, asserting, “By forcing a singular religious text onto the walls of our public schools, the Fifth Circuit has flung open the door to the religious coercion of Louisiana’s children.”
Broader Implications
This ruling is not isolated; similar laws have faced scrutiny across the United States. In Arkansas, families have filed lawsuits against a nearly identical law, while Texas has enacted a similar policy mandating the display of the Ten Commandments, with posters already appearing in many classrooms.
Historically, the US Supreme Court has struck down similar laws on constitutional grounds, notably ruling in 1980 that a Kentucky law mandating such displays violated the Establishment Clause, as it lacked a secular purpose and was intrinsically religious. While a Ten Commandments marker at the Texas state capitol was upheld, the legal landscape remains fraught with contention.
Why it Matters
The implications of this ruling extend far beyond the walls of Louisiana’s classrooms. It raises critical questions about the role of religion in public education and the boundaries of government endorsement of religious texts. As this legal battle unfolds, it will likely set precedents that could influence similar legislation nationwide, impacting the fundamental principles of religious freedom and the separation of church and state in American society.
