5th Circuit Upholds Louisiana Law Requiring Ten Commandments Displays in Classrooms

Appellate court reverses previous ruling, says details of displays not yet known

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A federal appellate court has cleared the way for a Louisiana law that requires all public schools to have displays of the Ten Commandments in every classroom. The U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a previous ruling that determined the 2024 state law was 'plainly unconstitutional', saying they were unwilling to rule based on conjecture about the exact details of the displays.

Why it matters

This ruling is a significant development in the ongoing debate over the separation of church and state, with the 5th Circuit siding with the state's argument that the Ten Commandments displays do not necessarily violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. The decision could embolden other states to pass similar laws and sets the stage for a potential Supreme Court battle over the constitutionality of such measures.

The details

The 5th Circuit's unsigned opinion placed emphasis on not knowing the exact details of what the Ten Commandments displays would look like once placed in classrooms, saying they were unwilling to rule based on conjecture. Attorney General Liz Murrill has provided examples and guidance for displays to follow the law, but local school districts have authority to determine the specifics. In a concurring opinion, Judge James Ho went further, stating that the Louisiana law 'affirms our Nation's highest and most noble traditions'.

  • The 5th Circuit issued its ruling on Friday, February 20, 2026.
  • The original 2024 state law requiring the Ten Commandments displays was previously ruled 'plainly unconstitutional' by a three-judge panel in June 2025.

The players

U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals

The federal appellate court that issued the ruling upholding Louisiana's law requiring Ten Commandments displays in public school classrooms.

Liz Murrill

The Louisiana Attorney General who has provided guidance and examples for how schools can comply with the law constitutionally.

ACLU of Louisiana

One of the groups representing plaintiffs in the case, who said they are 'exploring all legal pathways forward to continue the fight against this unconstitutional law'.

Judge James Ho

A federal court appointee of President Donald Trump in 2018 who wrote a concurring opinion stating the Louisiana law 'is not just constitutional — it affirms our Nation's highest and most noble traditions'.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Don't kill or steal shouldn't be controversial. My office has issued clear guidance to our public schools on how to comply with the law, and we have created multiple examples of posters demonstrating how it can be applied constitutionally. Louisiana public schools should follow the law.”

— Liz Murrill, Louisiana Attorney General (Louisiana Illuminator)

“Today's ruling is extremely disappointing and would unnecessarily force Louisiana's public school families into a game of constitutional whack-a-mole in every school district. Longstanding judicial precedent makes clear that our clients need not submit to the very harms they are seeking to prevent before taking legal action to protect their rights. But this fight isn't over. We will continue fighting for the religious freedom of Louisiana's families.”

— ACLU of Louisiana (Louisiana Illuminator)

“In sum, the Louisiana Ten Commandments law is not just constitutional — it affirms our Nation's highest and most noble traditions.”

— Judge James Ho, Federal Court Appointee of President Donald Trump (Louisiana Illuminator)

What’s next

The ACLU of Louisiana said it is 'exploring all legal pathways forward to continue the fight against this unconstitutional law', indicating that further legal challenges to the law are likely.

The takeaway

This ruling highlights the ongoing debate over the separation of church and state and the role of religion in public institutions. While the 5th Circuit has cleared the way for Louisiana's law, the fight is likely not over, as the ACLU and other groups have vowed to continue their legal battle against what they view as an unconstitutional measure.