Judge Strikes Down Arkansas Law Mandating Ten Commandments Display in Schools

The ruling blocks a 2025 law that required public schools to prominently display the Ten Commandments, a move seen as violating separation of church and state.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:18am

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A federal judge in Arkansas has struck down a state law that required public schools to prominently display the Ten Commandments in classrooms and libraries. The judge ruled that the law is unconstitutional and violates the separation of church and state. The ruling comes as similar laws have been enacted in other states like Louisiana and Texas, sparking legal challenges that are expected to eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing debate over the role of religion in public institutions, with proponents arguing the Ten Commandments have historical significance, while critics say the mandates are unconstitutional. The ruling in Arkansas could set a precedent for how courts view these types of laws across the country.

The details

In 2025, Arkansas passed a law requiring all public elementary and secondary schools to display the Ten Commandments in every classroom and library. Seven Arkansas families of various religious and nonreligious backgrounds filed a lawsuit challenging the law. On Monday, U.S. District Court Judge Timothy L. Brooks ruled that the law is unconstitutional, writing that 'nothing could possibly justify hanging the Ten Commandments—with or without historical context — in a calculus, chemistry, French, or woodworking class.' While the ruling blocks the requirement in Arkansas, it's unclear how broadly the decision can be applied.

  • In 2025, Arkansas passed a law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms.
  • In 2026, seven Arkansas families filed a lawsuit challenging the law.
  • On March 17, 2026, a federal judge struck down the Arkansas law as unconstitutional.

The players

U.S. District Court Judge Timothy L. Brooks

The federal judge who ruled that the Arkansas law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools is unconstitutional.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders

The governor of Arkansas who said she plans to appeal the ruling and 'defend our state's values.'

Megan Bailey

A spokesperson for the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas, one of the groups representing the parents challenging the Arkansas law.

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What they’re saying

“Nothing could possibly justify hanging the Ten Commandments—with or without historical context — in a calculus, chemistry, French, or woodworking class, to name a few.”

— U.S. District Court Judge Timothy L. Brooks

“Given that, it would be unwise for any school district in Arkansas to move forward with posting the Ten Commandments.”

— Megan Bailey, Spokesperson, American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas

“We plan to appeal the ruling and defend our state's values.”

— Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Governor of Arkansas

What’s next

The case is expected to eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court, as similar laws have been enacted in other states like Louisiana and Texas, sparking legal challenges.

The takeaway

This ruling highlights the ongoing debate over the role of religion in public institutions, with the judge's decision affirming that mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms is unconstitutional and violates the separation of church and state.