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Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Why the US faces legal battles over Ten Commandments display in schools
A 6-foot-tall privately funded Ten Commandments monument is seen on the Arkansas Capitol grounds, in Little Rock. (AP File Photo) A wave of legal challenges is emerging across the US over laws that mandate the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. At the center of these disputes is a growing tension between religious symbolism and constitutional protections of religious freedom. Most recently, a group of seven families in the state of Arkansas has filed a federal lawsuit, arguing that a new law requiring the posting of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms infringes on their constitutional rights. As reported by the Associated Press, the law is set to take effect in August and was signed earlier this year by Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Families say law promotes religious coercion The families, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom from Religion Foundation, argue that the law violates the First Amendment. Their complaint states that forcing religious texts into public education "unconstitutionally pressures students into religious observance, veneration, and adoption of the state's favored religious scripture," as quoted by the Associated Press. The lawsuit specifically challenges the permanent and prominent placement of the Ten Commandments in classrooms and libraries, which the plaintiffs say creates an environment of religious coercion. The families involved in the case include those who identify as Jewish, Unitarian Universalist, or nonreligious. They plan to request a preliminary injunction to prevent the law from being enforced when schools reopen. Legal precedent and national implications According to attorneys for the plaintiffs, the Arkansas law defies long-standing US Supreme Court rulings on the separation of church and state. They argue it contradicts established precedent that prohibits government-endorsed religious displays in public education. Samantha Stinson, one of the plaintiffs, said the law would "create an unwelcoming and religiously coercive school environment" and "infringe on our rights as parents," as reported by the Associated Press. Though Arkansas is currently under legal scrutiny, it is not alone. Louisiana passed a similar law, but its enforcement was blocked by a federal judge before it was set to take effect. As noted by the Associated Press, no school in Louisiana has posted the Ten Commandments yet, as litigation is ongoing. Texas is also expected to adopt a comparable law, with the governor expressing support. Officials respond cautiously amid legal review The lawsuit names four school districts—Fayetteville, Bentonville, Siloam Springs, and Springdale—as defendants. A spokesperson for Fayetteville schools told the Associated Press the district would not comment on pending litigation, while the other three districts have not responded. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said his office is reviewing the lawsuit and considering its legal options, according to the Associated Press. As debates over religious freedom and public education escalate, the outcome of these cases could shape how religion is treated in classrooms across the US. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Multi-million dollar prison funding allocation fails in Arkansas Senate for fifth time
Video: April 8 at the Arkansas Capitol LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A bill to allocate funding for a new 3,000-bed prison in Arkansas has failed in the state Senate for the fifth time. Senate Bill 354 fell short of the required 27 votes needed for passage on Tuesday. The bill would allocate the $725 million needed to build the proposed prison, adding to the $75 million already allocated to the project in 2023. Multi-million funding allocation bill for Franklin County prison fails in Arkansas legislature for fourth time Because it is a funding allocation, the bill needs a three-fourths majority to pass, but it can be resubmitted immediately if it fails. The Tuesday vote was its fifth over the last five days the Senate was in session. The bill has received one more 'aye' vote over each of its last five sessions. Opponents of the bill have cited the lack of planning for the prison, including the infrastructure needed to support a prison of that size in a rural area, such as roads and waterworks. Bill heads to governor's desk to put 10 Commandments in Arkansas classrooms Those in favor of the project point to the county jail overcrowding leading to misdemeanor criminals being released early and possibly going on to commit more serious crimes. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
