Court Clears Way for Louisiana Law Requiring Ten Commandments in Classrooms

Appeals court lifts block on law, saying it's too early to judge constitutionality

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A U.S. appeals court has cleared the way for a Louisiana law requiring poster-sized displays of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms to take effect. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals voted 12-6 to lift a block that a lower court first placed on the law in 2024, saying it was too early to make a judgment call on the constitutionality of the law.

Why it matters

This ruling is the latest in a series of efforts by Republican-led states to incorporate religious displays and teachings into public schools, despite concerns that it violates the separation of church and state. The case could ultimately make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which has issued mixed rulings on the constitutionality of such laws in the past.

The details

The appeals court said it was too early to determine the law's constitutionality because it's not yet clear how prominently schools may display the religious text, if teachers will refer to the Ten Commandments during classes, or if other historical texts will also be displayed. The six judges who dissented argued the law clearly exposes children to government-endorsed religion in a place they are required to be.

  • In 2024, a lower court first placed a block on the Louisiana law.
  • On February 21, 2026, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals voted 12-6 to lift the block on the law.

The players

5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals

One of the nation's most conservative appeals courts, known for propelling Republican policies to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Jeff Landry

Republican Governor of Louisiana who celebrated the ruling, declaring 'Common sense is making a comeback!'

ACLU of Louisiana

One of several groups representing plaintiffs who pledged to explore all legal pathways to continue fighting the law.

Joseph Davis

An attorney representing Louisiana in the case, who applauded the court for upholding America's 'time-honored tradition of recognizing faith in the public square.'

Liz Murrill

Louisiana Attorney General who said she had sent schools several correct examples of the required poster.

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What they’re saying

“Common sense is making a comeback!”

— Jeff Landry, Governor of Louisiana (N/A)

“The law 'is not just constitutional — it affirms our nation's highest and most noble traditions.'”

— James Ho, Circuit Judge, 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals (N/A)

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

— James L. Dennis, Circuit Judge, 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals (N/A)

What’s next

The case could ultimately make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which has issued mixed rulings on the constitutionality of such laws in the past.

The takeaway

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