The Ten Commandments in Public School?
Doesn't that violate the constitution separation of church and state?
In My Opinion
Louisiana is the first state to require the Ten Commandments to be posted in every public school. The ACLU and others have expressed concern that this would violate the Constitution's separation of Church and State. However, there are very few statements about the ethical and moral thinking behind the Ten Commandments at a time of mass shootings, massive drug abuse and addiction, and amoral behavior among our leaders.
According to the Anti-Defamation League,
"The Anti-Defamation League believes that calls by private citizens and public officials for the government to post the Ten Commandments in schools, government buildings, courts and other public places — while often well-intentioned — are bad policy and often unconstitutional."
And I find this part of their statement particularly puzzling:
"Proposals to post the Ten Commandments often create wide divisions in communities that are already struggling with other profound problems. Opponents of these initiatives — many of whom are deeply
religious themselves — are portrayed as being anti-religious freedom or even anti-God. Local elections and politics have become battlegrounds over religion, taking the focus away from such urgent concerns as
juvenile crime, education, and poverty."
I am not an attorney, philosopher, or expert on religion. However, posting the Ten Commandments in the schools makes perfect sense regardless of their roots. In other words, people must stress ethics, morality, and human decency. Regarding religion and belief in God, that decision is up to each family.
It is important to stress that morals, ethics, and respect for the lives and property of other people should be taught at home. But is it being taught at home?
Finally, in my opinion, the Ten Commandments and schools are unrelated to political ideology. I know that people are quick to dismiss discussions like these with such statements as "Uggh, there goes another liberal."
What is your opinion?" I invite and encourage discussion on this through chat.
It was tested in the courts 50 years ago. The far-right is hoping to take it all the way to the SCOTUS just as they did with Roe v. Wade and hope for a similar outcome.
No, Allan, I disagree. You say, "regardless of its roots." The whole point is the roots. You can teach principles of right and wrong in school, but the Ten Commandments is the core of at least two religions. The Commandments are codified in a religious text. That crosses the line into establishment of religion, which is unconstitutional (at least as long as we have a constitution).