An Arkansas law requiring the Ten Commandments to be exhibited in all public school classrooms was stopped by a federal judge in Fayetteville late Monday while a lawsuit contesting the statute’s constitutionality was being heard.
Just hours before Act 573, the statute, would have gone into effect, and around a week before public school classes resume for the autumn semester, U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks of the Western District of Arkansas rendered his decision.
The Ten Commandments statute that the Arkansas General Assembly approved earlier this year is nearly identical to one that was overturned by the Supreme Court 45 years ago. In a lengthy opinion, Brooks stated that Arkansas Act 573 is obviously unconstitutional and that the precedent is still binding on this Court.
Why would Arkansas enact a law that is blatantly unconstitutional? Brooks wrote. Most likely as a result of the State’s involvement in a multi-state coordinated effort to introduce Christian religious dogma into public school classrooms. According to these states, the Supreme Court’s decisions during the last ten years regarding religious displays in public areas indicate that the Court may be willing to review its earlier decisions regarding religious displays in public schools.
This tale is still in progress and will be updated.
It’s dragon-slaying time!
The Arkansas Times, which relentlessly defends the fundamental rights and liberties in our community, stands as a light of truth in an era when critical voices are being silenced more and more. Our commitment to provide uncompromising journalism has never been more important, especially with Arkansas in the center of a broad culture war that is impacting our libraries, schools, and public conversation. We can’t accomplish our goals of defeating dragons and holding those in positions of authority responsible alone. You can guarantee that independent journalism in Arkansas not only endures but flourishes by making a contribution today. We can join the fight and make a difference together.
