Georgia public schools could soon be required to display the Ten Commandments in multiple locations on their campuses if a newly proposed bill is passed. House Bill 313, introduced by Rep. Emory Dunahoo, R-Gillsville, mandates that schools must put up posters featuring the Ten Commandments in three prominent areas: the main entrance of the school, the library, and the cafeteria.

The bill positions the Ten Commandments as a historical and foundational document of both the state and national government, placing it alongside the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

This move has sparked debates across the state, with supporters emphasizing the historical significance of the Ten Commandments in American education and critics arguing that such a mandate could violate constitutional principles.

A Growing Trend in Southern States

The push to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms is not unique to Georgia. Louisiana set a precedent in 2023 by becoming the first state to enforce a similar law. However, a federal judge ruled in November that Louisiana’s law was unconstitutional, leading to an ongoing legal battle that could potentially reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

States like Texas and Montana have attempted to pass similar legislation, and attorneys general from 18 states, including Alabama, Florida, and South Carolina, have filed briefs supporting Louisiana’s law. However, Georgia was notably absent from this list, making the introduction of HB 313 a significant development.

What HB 313 Requires

If passed, Georgia’s HB 313 will require schools to meet the following conditions:

• Placement: Posters must be displayed at the main entrance of the school, the library entrance, and the cafeteria entrance.
• Size and Material: Each poster must be at least 16 inches wide and 20 inches tall, framed, or made of durable material.
• Funding: Public funds cannot be used to purchase the posters. Instead, schools must rely on donations to comply with the law.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Ten Commandments be displayed with a contextual statement, reinforcing their historical role in American education.

Historical Presence of the Ten Commandments in U.S. Education

For nearly 300 years, the Ten Commandments were a key part of American public education. In 1688, The New England Primer became the first published textbook in the U.S. and included over 40 questions related to the Ten Commandments. It remained in use for over 150 years.

In the early 1800s, educator William McGuffey included the Ten Commandments in his McGuffey Readers, which sold over 100 million copies. Similarly, Noah Webster’s widely used textbook, The American Spelling Book, contained the Ten Commandments and remained available in public schools as late as 1975.

While these historical references highlight the role of religious texts in early American education, modern constitutional challenges have made their presence in public schools a contentious issue.

Legal and Public Reactions

The introduction of HB 313 has generated mixed reactions. Supporters believe that displaying the Ten Commandments aligns with American history and values. They argue that these principles have shaped the nation’s legal and ethical foundations.

On the other hand, opponents, including civil rights organizations, see the bill as a violation of the First Amendment, which prohibits government endorsement of a specific religion. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other groups have expressed concerns about the bill’s constitutionality and are prepared to challenge it in court if passed.

Public opinion in Georgia remains divided, with some parents and educators supporting the initiative while others worry it could lead to unnecessary legal battles and distract from educational priorities.

What’s Next?

As HB 313 moves through the legislative process, its fate remains uncertain. If passed, Georgia could follow Louisiana in a legal showdown that might eventually be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.

For now, the debate continues: Should public schools be required to display religious texts, or does this violate constitutional principles? Lawmakers, educators, and parents will play a crucial role in shaping the future of religious expression in Georgia’s education system.

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