Court Clears Way for Louisiana Law Requiring Ten Commandments in Classrooms

5th Circuit Court of Appeals lifts block on law, saying it's too early to judge constitutionality

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has cleared the way for a Louisiana law requiring poster-sized displays of the Ten Commandments in public classrooms to take effect. The court said it was too early to make a judgment call on the constitutionality of the law, as it's not yet clear how prominently schools may display the religious text or if other historical documents will also be displayed.

Why it matters

This ruling is part of a broader push by Republicans, including former President Trump, to incorporate religion into public school classrooms. Critics argue this violates the separation of church and state, while supporters say the Ten Commandments are historical and part of the foundation of U.S. law.

The details

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals voted 12-6 to lift a block that a lower court first placed on the Louisiana law in 2024. The majority opinion said there weren't enough details available yet on how the law would be implemented to determine if it presents any First Amendment issues. However, the six dissenting judges argued the law clearly establishes government-endorsed religion in public schools.

  • The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals issued its ruling on Friday, February 21, 2026.
  • A three-judge panel of the court had previously ruled that Louisiana's law was unconstitutional.

The players

5th Circuit Court of Appeals

The U.S. federal appeals court that covers Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

Louisiana

The state that passed a law requiring poster-sized displays of the Ten Commandments in public classrooms.

President Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who pushed for incorporating religion into public school classrooms.

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What they’re saying

“The law 'is precisely the kind of establishment the Framers anticipated and sought to prevent.'”

— James L. Dennis, Circuit Judge

What’s next

The case could potentially make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which has previously ruled on the constitutionality of displaying the Ten Commandments in public spaces.

The takeaway

This ruling highlights the ongoing debate over the separation of church and state in public schools, with some states pushing to incorporate more religious displays and teachings despite concerns about violating the Constitution.