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By Alia Shoaib
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A federal judge has struck down a controversial Arkansas law that mandates schools to display the Ten Commandments.
The ruling comes after families challenged the law as a violation of the First Amendment, arguing it forced religious instruction on students and undermined parents’ rights to guide their children’s religious upbringing.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who is leading an appeal, told Newsweek in an emailed statement: "In Arkansas, we do in fact believe that murder is wrong and stealing is bad. It is entirely appropriate to display the Ten Commandments - the basis of all Western law and morality - as a reminder to students, state employees, and every Arkansan who enters a government building, and I look forward to appealing this suit and defending our state’s values."
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Why It Matters
The Arkansas law is part of a broader Republican push to incorporate religion into public schools. Critics say these measures violate the separation of church and state, while supporters argue they promote moral and historical values.
The Arkansas ruling is the latest example of how these laws are being tested by the courts and defining the limits of religion in public education.
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What To Know
Arkansas’ Act 573, passed in April 2025, mandated that a version of the Ten Commandments derived from the King James Bible be “prominently displayed” in every library and classroom in elementary and secondary schools.
Thirteen parents, from various religious and non-religious backgrounds, sued school districts, arguing the law violated both the Establishment Clause and Free Exercise rights of the First Amendment.
On Monday, U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Brooks ruled in their favor, writing that the law served no educational purpose and was designed to promote religion.
Brooks cited the 1980 Supreme Court case Stone v. Graham, in which the court struck down a similar Kentucky law, noting that like that case, Arkansas’ law was purely religious and not educational.
Similar laws regarding the display of the Ten Commandments have been passed in Louisiana and Texas, both of which have faced legal challenges, with courts issuing injunctions while the states continue to appeal.
What People Are Saying
U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Brooks wrote in his judgment: “Nothing could possibly justify hanging the Ten Commandments—with or without historical context—in a calculus, chemistry, French, or woodworking class.”
Samantha Stinson, one of the plaintiffs, said in a statement: “Act 573 is a direct infringement of our religious-freedom rights, and we’re pleased that the court ruled in our favor.”
She added: “The version of the Ten Commandments mandated by Act 573 conflicts with our family’s Jewish tenets and practice, and our belief that our children should receive their religious instruction at home and within our faith community, not from government officials.”
John C. Williams, legal director for the ACLU of Arkansas, said: “Today’s ruling is a resounding affirmation that public schools are not Sunday schools. The Constitution protects every student’s right to learn free from government-imposed religious doctrine.”
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders wrote on X: “The 10 Commandments aren’t just the foundation of our faith - they’re the foundation of every law and moral code in the West. That’s why we are appealing this ruling.”
What Happens Next
The legal battle taking place following Judge Brooks’ permanent injunction is likely to continue, as it has in other states over similar laws.
The issue could ultimately reach the Supreme Court, potentially setting a national precedent on religion in public schools.
Update 3/19/26, 11:35 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with comment from Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
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