Families file suit challenging Arkansas law that requires Ten Commandments be posted in classrooms
Share this @internewscast.com

In Little Rock, Arkansas, seven families initiated legal action on Wednesday, contesting a state mandate that will soon require public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments. They argue this new law infringes upon their constitutional rights.

The lawsuit, filed at the federal level, takes aim at a law that Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders approved earlier this year. This requirement mirrors similar laws in Louisiana and is one that has been indicated for approval by the governor of Texas.

The Arkansas law takes effect in August and requires the Ten Commandments to be prominently displayed in public school classrooms and libraries.

The lawsuit argues that mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in every classroom and library creates an inescapable influence on students, coercing them into religious participation and aligning with the state’s chosen religious text.

The suit 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. The lawsuit names four school districts in northwest Arkansas — Fayetteville, Bentonville, Siloam Springs and Springdale — as defendants.

A spokesperson for Fayetteville schools said the district would not comment on pending litigation, while the other three districts did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

A spokesperson for Attorney General Tim Griffin said his office was reviewing the lawsuit and considering options.

Attorneys for the families, who are Jewish, Unitarian Universalist or nonreligious, said they planned to ask the federal judge in Fayetteville for a preliminary injunction blocking the law’s enforcement. The attorneys say the law violates longstanding Supreme Court precedent and the families’ First Amendment rights.

“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 news release.

Louisiana was the first state to enact such a requirement, and a federal judge blocked the measure before it was to take effect Jan 1. Proponents of Louisiana’s law say that ruling only applies to the five school boards listed in the suit, but The Associated Press is unaware of any posters being displayed in schools as the litigation continues.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Cancer Nurse Transitions to Archbishop, Marking Historic Election as First Female Leader of the Church of England

LONDON – In a historic moment for the Church of England, Sarah…

Alleged Shooter in Rihanna Home Incident Faces Court: Attempted Murder Charges Loom

LOS ANGELES – A Florida woman, facing charges of attempted murder against…

Greeneville Board of Education Appoints Drinnon as New Director of Schools, Ushering in a New Era of Educational Leadership

In Greeneville, Tennessee, a significant decision was made by the Greeneville Board…

Jewish Communities Enhance Security Measures and Maintain Traditions in Response to Increasing Hate Incidents

On Tuesday, law enforcement officials revealed their proactive measures to address and…

Melania Trump Brings Global Leaders and Tech Experts Together for Children’s Education and Tech Summit

WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, Melania Trump made a compelling call for international…

Controversial Bahrain UN Proposal Sparks Debate Over Strait of Hormuz Access

The United Nations Security Council is currently debating a resolution that seeks…

Individual with Outstanding Warrant Detained at Union Primary School, According to Sheriff’s Office

BIG STONE GAP, Va. (WJHL) – Authorities apprehended an individual at Union…