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St. Mary Parish board adopts resolution to post donated Ten Commandments posters in classrooms
Summary
The board voted to adopt Attorney General guidance and post donated Ten Commandments posters in classrooms where donors provided them, citing a federal appeals decision that lifted an earlier injunction; the resolution specifies donated-only posters and placement restrictions.
The St. Mary Parish School Board voted April 2 to adopt guidance from the Attorney General's office that implements a state law directing schools to display donated Ten Commandments posters in classrooms.
A representative described the litigation history: a district court had enjoined enforcement but the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit overturned that injunction, leaving the state law in effect. The guidance in the packet instructs districts to accept donated posters and follow size and placement rules (donated materials only; not behind a teacher’s desk or on walls that are the main focus of instruction).
Board members asked whether the law is mandatory and were told it is a state statute; the district confirmed it has received donations sufficient to cover every classroom. "So, the state ... the law is here, it's in effect," said the advisor explaining the legal status. A board member moved adoption of the district resolution adopting the Attorney General's guidance; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition.
The resolution directs school administrators to implement the placement guidelines provided by the Attorney General and notes that the posters must be donated rather than purchased by the district. Board discussion noted the topic has been subject to litigation in the state and the presence of an Attorney General representative at the meeting.
Next steps: schools will follow the guidance on placement and sizing of the posters and the district will implement the donated poster distribution across classrooms.
