• A federal appeals court ruled Louisiana's law requiring Ten Commandments in public schools unconstitutional.
• Civil liberties groups claim the law violates the separation of church and state and discriminates against non-Christian students.
• The controversial law was enacted by Republican Governor Jeff Landry and supported by President Trump.
• The ruling may set a legal precedent as similar laws are being challenged in other states like Texas and Arkansas.

A panel of three federal appellate judges has ruled that a Louisiana law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom is unconstitutional. This ruling marks a critical victory for civil liberties groups arguing that the requirement infringes upon the separation of church and state, potentially alienating students of varying faiths, particularly those who are non-Christian, according to latimes and cbsnews.

Louisiana's controversial mandate, signed into law by Republican Governor Jeff Landry in June 2024, has drawn criticism and was seen as part of a broader conservative push to introduce religious themes in public education. Backers argue that the Ten Commandments are historical symbols integral to U.S. law. In its decision, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a previous ruling from U.S. District Judge John deGravelles, who found the law unconstitutional and prohibited its enforcement, according to reuters and npr.

The court's decision highlights that students would have to endure these mandated displays throughout their education, with no opt-out provision. "Parents and students challenge a statute requiring public schools to permanently display the Ten Commandments," the ruling explained, reinforcing the First Amendment protections against government endorsement of religion, according to newsweek and reuters.

The decision has implications beyond Louisiana, reflecting a national debate over religious expression in public schools. Similar legislative proposals are emerging in states like Texas and Arkansas, triggering legal scrutiny. In response, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has stated her intention to appeal the ruling, potentially bringing the case before the U.S. Supreme Court, which currently has a conservative majority, according to latimes and cbsnews.