Governor Jeff Landry joined the show to discuss the new law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. This law, part of the “Dream Big” education plan, mandates that from kindergarten to collegiate level, each classroom must exhibit the Ten Commandments on a poster or framed document.
Governor Landry, who signed the bill into law, justified the requirement by stating that respect for the rule of law begins with the original lawgiver, Moses. He emphasized that the Ten Commandments are not only religious but also historically significant, reflecting the founders’ understanding of the necessity of civic morality for functional self-government.
However, the law has sparked controversy and talk of legal battles. Civil liberties groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom from Religion Foundation, have expressed their intention to challenge the law in court. They argue that it violates the separation of church and state and could negatively impact students’ education and safety. The ACLU stated that the government should not coerce students into accepting religious doctrine.
Supporters of the law, such as Republican state Rep. Dodie Horton, argue that it teaches a moral code rather than preaching religion. The law also specifies that the posters will be funded by private donations, not state dollars, and schools have until January 2025 to comply.
The interview highlights the tension between the desire to instill moral values in students and the constitutional principle of separation of church and state. With legal challenges looming, the implementation and future of this law remain uncertain. Governor Landry’s stance is clear, but it will be up to the courts to decide whether the Ten Commandments will have a place in Louisiana’s public classroom.