Latest news with #SamanthaStinson
Yahoo
a day ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Arkansas families sue to keep 10 Commandments out of classroom before new law takes effect
Arkansas families are suing to block the 10 Commandments from being displayed in public school classrooms as required by a new state law. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a bill into law in April requiring the Ten Commandments and the "national motto, 'In God We Trust'" to be "prominently" displayed on posters in Arkansas classrooms and public buildings. The school mandate takes effect in August. The posters, which must meet a certain size requirement, must be donated or funded through private donations, the law states. Schools are allowed to use public funds or donations to replace any noncompliant display with a compliant display. A coalition of multi-faith families argued in their legal challenge that the religious display requirement violates their religious freedom and parental rights. Supreme Court Likely To Side With Parents In Letting Them Opt Out Of Lgbtq Storybooks, Expert Says "Permanently posting the Ten Commandments in every classroom and library — rendering them unavoidable — unconstitutionally pressures students into religious observance, veneration, and adoption of the state's favored religious scripture," the lawsuit states. Read On The Fox News App "It also sends the harmful and religiously divisive message that students who do not subscribe to the Ten Commandments—or, more precisely, to the specific version of the Ten Commandments that Act 573 requires schools to display—do not belong in their own school community and pressures them to refrain from expressing any faith practices or beliefs that are not aligned with the state's religious preferences." The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the families by the American Civil Liberties Union, Americans United for the Separation of Church and State and the Freedom from Religion Foundation. "As American Jews, my husband and I deeply value the ability to raise our children in our faith, without interference from the government," Plaintiff Samantha Stinson said in a press release. "By imposing a Christian-centric translation of the Ten Commandments on our children for nearly every hour of every day of their public-school education, this law will infringe on our rights as parents and create an unwelcoming and religiously coercive school environment for our children." Scotus Rulings This Term Could Strengthen Religious Rights Protections, Expert Says It names four school districts in northwest Arkansas — Fayetteville, Bentonville, Siloam Springs and Springdale — as defendants. The plaintiffs are asking for a preliminary injunction to pause the implementation of the law while the lawsuit is pending, according to the ACLU. Fayetteville Public Schools, Bentonville Schools and Siloam Springs School District told Fox News Digital they do not comment on pending litigation but "it appears after reviewing the court filing, that the lawsuit aims to challenge the constitutionality of a new Arkansas law that will take effect in August rather than challenging any action taken by [the school districts named in the lawsuit]." Springdale Schools did not immediately return a request for comment. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed a similar bill into law last year which has also faced legal challenges. A federal judge temporarily blocked the measure before it was to take effect in January, calling it "unconstitutional on its face." Louisiana defended the religious display in a federal appeals court in January. The Associated Press contributed to this article source: Arkansas families sue to keep 10 Commandments out of classroom before new law takes effect
New York Post
a day ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Arkansas families sue to keep 10 Commandments out of classroom before new law takes effect
Arkansas families are suing to block the 10 Commandments from being displayed in public school classrooms as required by a new state law. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed a bill into law in April requiring the Ten Commandments and the 'national motto, 'In God We Trust'' to be 'prominently' displayed on posters in Arkansas classrooms and public buildings. Advertisement The school mandate takes effect in August. The posters, which must meet a certain size requirement, must be donated or funded through private donations, the law states. Schools are allowed to use public funds or donations to replace any noncompliant display with a compliant display. A coalition of multi-faith families argued in their legal challenge that the religious display requirement violates their religious freedom and parental rights. Advertisement 'Permanently posting the Ten Commandments in every classroom and library — rendering them unavoidable — unconstitutionally pressures students into religious observance, veneration, and adoption of the state's favored religious scripture,' the lawsuit states. 'It also sends the harmful and religiously divisive message that students who do not subscribe to the Ten Commandments—or, more precisely, to the specific version of the Ten Commandments that Act 573 requires schools to display—do not belong in their own school community and pressures them to refrain from expressing any faith practices or beliefs that are not aligned with the state's religious preferences.' 3 Families in the state of Arkansas have filed a lawsuit to prevent the display of the 10 Commandments in public schools across the state, citing a new law that is set to take effect. Getty Images The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the families by the American Civil Liberties Union, Americans United for the Separation of Church and State and the Freedom from Religion Foundation. Advertisement 'As American Jews, my husband and I deeply value the ability to raise our children in our faith, without interference from the government,' Plaintiff Samantha Stinson said in a press release. 'By imposing a Christian-centric translation of the Ten Commandments on our children for nearly every hour of every day of their public-school education, this law will infringe on our rights as parents and create an unwelcoming and religiously coercive school environment for our children.' 3 The bill, which was signed by Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, will take effect in August. AP It names four school districts in northwest Arkansas — Fayetteville, Bentonville, Siloam Springs and Springdale — as defendants. Advertisement The plaintiffs are asking for a preliminary injunction to pause the implementation of the law while the lawsuit is pending, according to the ACLU. Fayetteville Public Schools, Bentonville Schools and Siloam Springs School District told Fox News Digital they do not comment on pending litigation but 'it appears after reviewing the court filing, that the lawsuit aims to challenge the constitutionality of a new Arkansas law that will take effect in August rather than challenging any action taken by [the school districts named in the lawsuit].' 3 The families who filed the suit claim that the new law violates their religious freedom. AP Springdale Schools did not immediately return a request for comment. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed a similar bill into law last year which has also faced legal challenges. A federal judge temporarily blocked the measure before it was to take effect in January, calling it 'unconstitutional on its face.' Louisiana defended the religious display in a federal appeals court in January. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- USA Today
Arkansas families suing to block Ten Commandments in public classrooms, libraries
Arkansas families suing to block Ten Commandments in public classrooms, libraries Show Caption Hide Caption Texas lawmaker challenges Ten Commandments bill on the 'Sabbath' A Texas state bill that would require public schools to post donated placards of the Ten Commandments created an "ironic" moment in debate. Seven Arkansas families have filed a federal lawsuit to block a new law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms in the state, arguing that the law will infringe on their constitutional rights. In the complaint, filed June 11 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas, the families challenged an upcoming state law that requires the Ten Commandments to be "prominently" displayed in every public classroom and library. The law, which takes effect in August, was signed by Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders in April. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a multifaith group of families by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Americans United for Separation of Church and State (AU), and the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF). The defendants include four school districts — Fayetteville, Springdale, Bentonville, and Siloam Springs — in northwest Arkansas. Attorneys for the families, who are Jewish, Unitarian Universalist, or non-religious, said the law "violates longstanding U.S. Supreme Court precedent and the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment." The attorneys are asking a federal judge to declare the state requirement unconstitutional. In addition to the complaint, the attorneys are planning to file a motion for a preliminary and permanent injunction to block the implementation of the law while the suit is pending. "By imposing a Christian-centric translation of the Ten Commandments on our children for nearly every hour of every day of their public-school education, this law will infringe on our rights as parents and create an unwelcoming and religiously coercive school environment for our children," Samantha Stinson, one of the plaintiffs, said in a statement. The lawsuit was publicly released by the AU on June 11 and viewed by USA TODAY. The Arkansas Attorney General's Office did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment on June 11. Related: How the Supreme Court could still reshape religious liberty with decisions in two cases Lawsuit: Ten Commandments law interferes with religious freedom According to the complaint, the display of the Ten Commandments in public classrooms and libraries will interfere with parents' right to direct their children's religious education and upbringing. The lawsuit further argues that the state requirement will create a "religiously coercive" school environment for children. Under the state law, each classroom and library will be required to post the Ten Commandments 'in a conspicuous place," the lawsuit states. The display of the text must be at least 16 inches wide and 20 inches tall and be printed in a "typeface that is legible to a person with average vision from anywhere in the room," according to the complaint. The law also mandates that schools and libraries display a specific version of the Ten Commandments, which the suit states is associated with Protestant faiths and conflicts with the version followed by many Jews and Catholics. "Permanently posting the Ten Commandments in every classroom and library—rendering them unavoidable—unconstitutionally pressures students into religious observance, veneration, and adoption of the state's favored religious scripture," the complaint states. "It also sends the harmful and religiously divisive message that students who do not subscribe to the Ten Commandments ... do not belong in their own school community and pressures them to refrain from expressing any faith practices or beliefs that are not aligned with the state's religious preferences," the complaint added. It's not the first time. GOP leaders are calling for religion in public schools. Republican-led states push for religion in public classrooms Authorities in Republican-led states across the country have been pushing to spread religious teachings into public school classrooms, including incorporating the Bible into lessons and requiring schools to post state-selected versions of the Ten Commandments. School administrators and civil rights advocates have expressed opposition to the mandates, saying they violate students' constitutional rights. "Our Constitution's guarantee of church-state separation means that families – not politicians – get to decide if, when and how public-school children engage with religion," Rachel Laser, president and CEO of the AU, said in a statement on June 11. "This law is part of the nationwide Christian Nationalist scheme to win favor for one set of religious views over all others and nonreligion — in a country that promises religious freedom. Not on our watch. We're proud to defend the religious freedom of Arkansas schoolchildren and their families," Laser continued. The Arkansas law is similar to a Louisiana requirement that was signed in June 2024 by Gov. Jeff Landry. The Louisiana law was later blocked by a federal judge who declared it unconstitutional. The case, which is currently on appeal, is also being represented by the same counsel as the Arkansas lawsuit, attorneys said. In November 2024, Texas officials proposed a curriculum that includes teachings from the Bible. The state legislature also recently passed a bill requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms. Gov. Greg Abbott is expected to sign the measure, which would take effect in September. In July 2024, Oklahoma's top education official ordered public schools to teach the Bible, which large state school districts have largely ignored. Despite the state's Republican-controlled legislature's rejection of his $3 million request to fund the effort, state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters has insisted classrooms would all have Bibles by fall 2025. Contributing: Murray Evans, The Oklahoman, part of the USA TODAY Network
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Arkansas parents file lawsuit over state law requiring Ten Commandments in schools
A 3D render of a closeup of the biblical Ten Commandments etched in a stone tablet, highlighting the ninth commandment. () Seven Arkansas families with children in public schools filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday to block the implementation of a new state law requiring the Ten Commandments be displayed in classrooms. Northwest Arkansas parents and their minor children who identify as Jewish, Unitarian Universalist, Humanist, agnostic, atheist and nonreligious filed the complaint Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas against the Fayetteville, Springdale, Bentonville and Siloam Springs school districts. The plaintiffs are asking a judge to declare the law unconstitutional and are seeking preliminary and permanent injunctions to prevent the school districts from complying with the law, according to the complaint. Act 573 of 2025 requires that 'a durable poster or framed copy of a historical representation of the Ten Commandments' be 'prominently' displayed in public school classrooms and libraries, public institutions of higher education, and public buildings and facilities maintained by taxpayer funds. According to the law, posters shall be donated or purchased with funds through voluntary contributions to a local school board, building governing entity or the Building Authority Division. Posters that don't meet specifications required by the law may be replaced with public funds or private donations. In a statement, plaintiff Samantha Stinson said that as American Jews, she and her husband 'deeply value the ability to raise our children in our faith, without interference from the government.' Fellow plaintiff Carol Vella agreed, noting that her children are among a small number of Jewish students at their school. 'The classroom displays required by Act 573 will make them feel like they don't belong simply because they don't follow the government's favored religion,' she said. 'The displays will also violate core Jewish tenets, which emphasize tolerance and inclusion and prohibit evangelizing others.' The plaintiffs are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas, the ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation, with Simpson Thacher Barlett serving as pro bono counsel, according to a press release. The complaint alleges Act 573 violates the First Amendment's Establishment Clause, which guarantees that 'Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion,' and its Free Exercise Clause, which guarantees that 'Congress shall make no law … prohibiting the free exercise [of religion].' 'As a result of the Ten Commandments displays mandated by Act 573, Arkansas students—including the minor-child Plaintiffs—will be unconstitutionally coerced into religious observance, veneration, and adoption of the state's favored religious scripture, and they will be pressured to suppress their personal religious beliefs and practices, especially in school, to avoid the potential disfavor, reproach, and/or disapproval of school officials and/or their peers,' the complaint states. By mandating a Protestant version of the Ten Commandments be displayed, 'Act 573 adopts an official position on religious matters, violating the Establishment Clause's prohibition against taking sides in questions over theological doctrine,' according to the complaint. In a statement, Americans United for Separation of Church and State President and CEO Rachel Laser said the Constitution's guarantee of the separation of church and state means families, not politicians, decide if and how public school children engage with religion. Federal judge considers letting Arkansas Supreme Court rule first on 10 Commandments monument case 'This law is part of the nationwide Christian Nationalist scheme to win favor for one set of religious views over all others and nonreligion — in a country that promises religious freedom. Not on our watch,' Laser said. Sen. Jim Dotson, R-Bentonville, and Rep. Alyssa Brown, R-Heber Springs, sponsored Act 573, but the merits of the legislation were largely presented in committee hearings by WallBuilders, a group 'emphasizing the moral, Christian, and constitutional foundation on which our nation was built,' according to its website. Supporters of the measure emphasized the Ten Commandments as a historical document, an argument rejected in Wednesday's complaint. 'This nation's core founding documents — the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights — were not based on the Ten Commandments, and there is no longstanding history or tradition of prominently and permanently displaying the Ten Commandments in public-school classrooms,' the complaint states. The complaint cites longstanding court precedent, including Stone v. Graham, a 1980 case in which the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Kentucky law mandating classroom displays of the Ten Commandments as unconstitutional. A federal district court ruled last year that a Louisiana law similar to Act 573 violates the First Amendment. Plaintiffs in that case, which is on appeal, are represented by the same counsel as the Arkansas lawsuit, according to the press release. Plaintiffs in the Arkansas case plan to file a motion for preliminary injunction, which will ask the court to issue an order temporarily preventing implementation of the law, set to take effect Aug. 5, while the lawsuit is pending, according to the release. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
