Federal Judge Blocks Arkansas Act Requiring Ten Commandments in Public Schools

US District Judge Timothy Brooks blocked an Arkansas act that required public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments.

The Details: The ruling of Stinson v. Fayetteville School District No. 1, released on Monday, said the state's Act 573 violates the US Constitution's Establishment Clause. Act 573, established in April, required public buildings, including school classrooms and libraries, to "prominently" display the Ten Commandments. The Establishment Clause says, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." Brooks also ruled that the act violates the Free Exercise rights of the First Amendment by imposing "a very real threat" to parents' chosen religious practices.

Key Quotes: Brooks, an appointee of former President Barack Obama (D) to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, stated, "Nothing could possibly justify hanging the Ten Commandments—with or without historical context – in a calculus, chemistry, French, or woodworking class, to name a few." Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) responded, "In Arkansas, we believe murder is wrong and stealing is bad – and there's nothing wrong with our students learning that too. We will appeal this ruling and defend our state's values."

How The Media Covered It: News media across the political spectrum suggested the case, combined with similar ones in both Louisiana and Texas, would likely reach the Supreme Court. Both left- and right-rated outlets noted Obama's appointment of Brooks; however, Fox News (Right bias) did so more pointedly in its lede. Fox emphasized Act 573's Republican supporters who argued the Ten Commandments are "a foundational document for American law and history." Associated Press (Left) framed the act instead as "among [others] pushed by Republicans, including President Donald Trump, to incorporate religion in public schools." It did, however, plainly state both sides of the debate. Both Fox and The Hill (Center) said Brooks' ruling applied only to specific districts in the state, but AP said, "It's unclear how broadly his decision can be applied."

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