This week, a federal court in Baton Rouge is hearing arguments over Louisiana’s controversial Ten Commandments law, which mandates public schools to display the biblical text in classrooms by January 1, 2025. The law, signed in June, requires posters with the commandments to be placed in every public school and funded by donations. Supporters argue the commandments are a historical foundation of U.S. law, while opponents, led by civil rights groups, say the law violates the First Amendment’s establishment clause.

Just the Facts:

• The law, passed in June 2024, requires public schools and colleges to display 11×14 inch posters of the Ten Commandments.

• It’s being challenged by groups such as the ACLU, which argue that the mandate is unconstitutional.

• The case is now before U.S. District Judge John deGravelles, who is expected to rule by November.

The Details: Advocates of the law argue that the Ten Commandments reflect core American values. However, critics point to Supreme Court decisions, such as Stone v. Graham (1980), which struck down a similar law. This case could become a significant legal battle over religious displays in public institutions.

Why It Matters: The outcome of this case could impact how public schools handle religious symbols and may set a precedent for future church-state separation disputes across the nation. If upheld, schools would need to comply by early 2025, but legal experts predict the issue may reach the U.S. Supreme Court  .

What’s Next? Judge deGravelles will issue a decision by mid-November. Depending on the ruling, the law could be halted, or schools may need to prepare for its implementation starting in 2025.