Recently, Louisiana's 2020 Teacher of the Year filed a lawsuit against the state challenging a new law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom by January 1st. This law, known as HB71, has sparked controversy and legal action since its enactment in June.
The lawsuit, filed by a history teacher at Ben Franklin High School in New Orleans, argues that the law violates the First Amendment by imposing a religious message on students and teachers. The plaintiff contends that the required display of the Protestant version of the Ten Commandments could alienate non-Christian students.
State officials, including Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill, defend the law by emphasizing the historical significance of the Ten Commandments in shaping U.S. law. They have filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, asserting that the plaintiff has not yet suffered any harm that would warrant legal action.
Meanwhile, another lawsuit filed by parents of Louisiana school children is also challenging the law in court. The judge in that case is expected to rule on a motion to block enforcement of the law by mid-November.
Under HB71, all public school K-12 and state-funded university classrooms are required to display the Ten Commandments on a poster or framed document measuring at least 11 inches by 14 inches. The law specifies that the text must be prominently featured and printed in a large, easily readable font, accompanied by a four-paragraph context statement.
The legal battle over the display of the Ten Commandments in Louisiana schools continues, with both sides presenting arguments on the constitutionality and implications of the controversial law.
