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Dothan Today
By the People, for the People
Alabama mandates Ten Commandments display in public school classrooms
Governor signs law requiring religious document to be posted, citing national history
Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:09pm
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A new Alabama law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms sparks debate over the role of religion in education.Dothan TodayAlabama Governor Kay Ivey has signed a new law requiring public schools in the state to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms. Ivey stated the Ten Commandments are a 'founding document' of the country and important for students to understand the history of the United States, especially as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Under the new law, schools can use donated funds rather than public money to purchase the required posters.
Why it matters
This new law in Alabama is part of a broader national debate over the role of religion in public schools and government. Supporters argue the Ten Commandments are a foundational part of American history, while critics contend it violates the separation of church and state. The law could face legal challenges, as previous attempts to display religious documents in schools have been ruled unconstitutional.
The details
Senate bill 99, signed by Governor Kay Ivey on Friday, mandates that all public schools in Alabama must display the Ten Commandments in their classrooms. The law states schools can use donated funds rather than taxpayer money to purchase the required posters. Ivey justified the new requirement by claiming the Ten Commandments are a 'critical' founding document, along with the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights, that students need to understand in order to learn about the history of the United States.
- Governor Kay Ivey signed Senate bill 99 on Friday, April 10, 2026.
The players
Governor Kay Ivey
The current Governor of Alabama who signed the law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.
Senate bill 99
The new law passed by the Alabama legislature and signed by Governor Ivey that mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools.
What they’re saying
“In Alabama, we proudly remember that we live in one nation under God. The Ten Commandments – like the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights – are critical to understanding the founding of our country.”
— Governor Kay Ivey, Governor of Alabama
What’s next
The new law is expected to face legal challenges from civil liberties groups who argue it violates the separation of church and state. A court battle over the constitutionality of the law could take months or years to resolve.
The takeaway
This new law in Alabama is the latest example of efforts by some conservative states to promote religious values in public schools, despite concerns that such actions infringe on the constitutional principle of separation of church and state. The outcome of any legal challenges will have implications for how religion is addressed in public education across the country.
