Court Clears Way for Louisiana Law Requiring Ten Commandments in Classrooms

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by Rick Rojas

February 21, 2026

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A federal appeals court has cleared the way for Louisiana to enforce a law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom. The Fifth Circuit Court vacated a temporary injunction that had blocked the law since its passage in 2024, overturning a previous ruling that called it "plainly unconstitutional." This marks the first time since 1980, when a similar Kentucky law was struck down by the Supreme Court for lacking a secular purpose and being "plainly religious in nature." The Louisiana law mandates that each public elementary, middle, high school, and university classroom must prominently display the Ten Commandments in posters no smaller than 11 by 14 inches, with clear, readable text. The law also requires these displays to include a statement claiming the Ten Commandments have been a part of American education for centuries and that they underpin foundational principles of American law. Proponents argue the Ten Commandments serve as a historical document reflecting key values of Western legal systems, while critics view the law as an attempt to inject religious influence into public schools. A group of nine families, representing diverse religious and non-religious backgrounds, filed a challenge, arguing the law violates the separation of church and state. The court's decision has sparked debate over the role of religion in public education and the interpretation of the First Amendment's Establishment Clause. supporters and opponents alike agree that this ruling sets a significant precedent for future legal battles over religious expression in schools.

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/21/2026