In a move that has sparked controversy and concern, Louisiana is considering a bill that would require the display of the Ten Commandments in every classroom across the state. The bill, known as HB 71, states that all Louisiana classrooms, from kindergarten through university level, in schools receiving state funding must prominently feature the Ten Commandments on a poster or framed document.

According to the text of the bill, the poster or framed document must be at least eleven inches by fourteen inches and the text of the Ten Commandments should be the central focus, printed in a large and easily readable font. The bill also specifies the exact language that must be included on these classroom displays.

Republican state Representative Dodie Horton, who proposed the bill, argues that the Ten Commandments have strong historical and legal roots, and believes that placing a "moral code" in classrooms would be beneficial. However, opponents, including Democrats and civil rights organizations, argue that such a requirement would violate the establishment clause of the US Constitution, which states that Congress cannot make laws respecting an establishment of religion.

Supporters of the bill point to a 2022 US Supreme Court decision in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District as justification. In that case, a high school football coach was allowed to return to his job after being disciplined for a prayer controversy on the field. The Supreme Court ruled that the coach's prayers were considered private speech and protected by the First Amendment, thereby allowing for more religious expression in public spaces.

However, critics argue that the display of the Ten Commandments in public classrooms is fundamentally different from private expressions of faith. They argue that the bill is unconstitutional and infringes on the fundamental right to religious freedom of students and their families.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the ACLU of Louisiana, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom from Religion Foundation have issued a joint statement expressing their deep concern over the legislation. The statement asserts that requiring public schools to display the Ten Commandments violates students' and families' rights to religious freedom. These organizations urge Louisianans to voice their opposition to the bill and call on the governor to veto it, emphasizing that public schools should not be used as platforms for promoting religious scriptures.

As the debate continues, the fate of the bill rests in the hands of the governor. Advocates for a stricter separation of church and state will closely monitor the situation, highlighting the importance of ensuring that all students, regardless of their faith or lack thereof, feel welcome and comfortable in public education.