A federal appeals court has paved the way for Louisiana to enforce a law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms, reversing a previous injunction that deemed the law unconstitutional. The decision, reached by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, has reignited a contentious debate surrounding the intersection of religious expression and educational policy in the United States.
Appeals Court Decision
On 21 February 2026, the Fifth Circuit Court, voting 12-6, lifted the preliminary injunction that had blocked the implementation of the law, which had been challenged on constitutional grounds. The judges determined that it was premature to assess the law’s constitutionality since it had yet to be enacted. In their ruling, the majority highlighted the need for more factual clarity regarding the displays, particularly concerning how schools might implement the mandate and whether educators would actively reference the religious text during lessons.
This decision marks a significant shift, as the court had previously ruled against the law in a smaller panel decision last June. The law, which was passed in 2024, made Louisiana the first state to require such religious displays in public schools, sparking intense discussions about the implications for religious freedom and the separation of church and state.
Background of the Law
The legal controversy began when a group of parents representing children from diverse faith backgrounds filed a lawsuit opposing the law. They contended that it violated the First Amendment of the US Constitution, which protects religious liberty and prohibits the government from establishing a religion. Advocates of the law argue that the Ten Commandments hold historical significance and are foundational to American legal principles.
In a supportive opinion, Circuit Judge James Ho, appointed by former President Trump, asserted that the law is constitutional and reflects the nation’s noble traditions. Conversely, dissenting judges expressed concerns that the law endorses a particular religious viewpoint within a public education system, which could infringe upon students’ rights to religious freedom. Judge James L. Dennis, a Clinton appointee, cautioned that such government endorsement of religion was precisely what the Framers of the Constitution sought to avoid.
Response from State Officials and Advocacy Groups
Following the court’s decision, Louisiana’s Republican Governor Jeff Landry praised the ruling, suggesting that it represents a resurgence of common sense. Attorney General Liz Murrill echoed this sentiment, stating that Louisiana schools should comply with the law and has provided examples of how the displays should be implemented.
However, civil liberties organisations have decried the ruling as a significant setback for religious freedom. The Freedom From Religion Foundation described the decision as “extremely disappointing,” warning that it could compel families to engage in a continual legal battle against unconstitutional religious displays in their local schools. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Louisiana also condemned the ruling, asserting that it undermines the inclusive nature of public education and opens the door for religious coercion among students.
Similar Legislation Across the Country
The ruling in Louisiana may have broader implications, as similar laws are being challenged in other states. In Arkansas, for instance, families have initiated legal action against a comparable statute, while Texas has also passed legislation mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms. The Fifth Circuit recently reviewed the constitutionality of these laws, but the decision regarding Louisiana does not directly influence the Texas law, where displays have already been installed in many schools.
The issue of religious displays in public spaces is not new; in 1980, the US Supreme Court struck down a Kentucky law requiring such displays, citing the absence of a secular purpose. The court has consistently upheld the principle that government entities cannot endorse religious texts, though it has permitted certain historical markers, such as the Ten Commandments at the Texas state capitol.
Why it Matters
This ruling has significant implications for the future of religious expression in public education across the United States. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, the debate over the role of religious texts in schools raises critical questions about the boundaries of religious freedom and the necessity of maintaining an inclusive environment for all students. The outcome of this case may not only affect Louisiana but could set precedents for similar legislation nationwide, influencing how schools navigate the delicate balance between personal beliefs and public education.
