Federal Court Blocks Arkansas' Ten Commandments Display Law in Schools

On August 4, 2025, U.S. District Judge Timothy L. Brooks issued a preliminary injunction blocking the enforcement of Arkansas Act 573 in four Northwest Arkansas school districts: Bentonville, Fayetteville, Springdale, and Siloam Springs. The law, signed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, mandated the prominent display of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms and libraries.

The plaintiffs, a group of seven multifaith and nonreligious Arkansas families with children in public schools, argued that the law infringed upon their constitutional rights to religious freedom. They were represented by civil liberties organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Arkansas, the ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation.

In his ruling, Judge Brooks referenced the 1980 Supreme Court case Stone v. Graham, which struck down a similar Kentucky statute requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. He stated, "Forty-five years ago, the Supreme Court struck down a Ten Commandments law nearly identical to the one the Arkansas General Assembly passed earlier this year. That precedent remains binding on this Court and renders Arkansas Act 573... ."

Governor Sanders defended the law, stating, "In Arkansas, we do...—the basis of all Western law and...—as a reminder to students, state... ."

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin indicated that his office is reviewing the court's order and considering legal options.

Civil liberties organizations hailed the ruling as a victory for religious freedom and the separation of church and state. Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, stated, "Today’s decision will ensure that Arkansas families—not politicians or public-school officials—get to decide how and when their children engage with religion."

Similar laws in other states have faced legal challenges. In Louisiana, a law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms was blocked by a federal judge, who declared it "unconstitutional on its face." The case, Roake v. Brumley, is currently under appeal.

These cases reflect ongoing debates over the role of religion in public education and the interpretation of the First Amendment's Establishment Clause, which prohibits government endorsement of religion. Legal experts suggest that such cases may eventually reach the U.S. Supreme Court, potentially leading to significant rulings on the separation of church and state in education.

The preliminary injunction granted by Judge Brooks temporarily halts the enforcement of Act 573 in the specified school districts, pending further legal proceedings. The outcome of this case may have broader implications for similar laws across the country and the ongoing debate over religious displays in public schools.