Federal judge strikes down Ten Commandments displays in several Arkansas school districts

A federal judge in Arkansas permanently blocked several school districts from displaying the Ten Commandments in classrooms on Monday, calling the state law a tool "to proselytize to children."

In April 2025, Arkansas passed Act 573, aiming to return the Ten Commandments to public schools. Backed by Republicans, including Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, supporters argued they are a foundational document for American law and history.

U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, struck down the law for several major districts on March 16. Brooks argued the law's only purpose was to spread religious doctrine rather than serve a secular educational goal...