A Louisiana lawmaker wants to require all public schools — including public universities like LSU — to display the 10 Commandments in each of their classrooms.
Last year, Rep. Dodie Horton, R-Haughton, passed a bill that required each public classroom to display the national motto “In God We Trust.” Now, she seeks to add another mandatory classroom posting.
Horton included several requirements in her new proposal, House Bill 71, to skirt possible work-arounds. The poster or framed document must be at least 11-by-14-inches in size with “large, easily readable font,” and the 10 Commandments must be the central focus of the display.
It will be up for consideration when the regular legislative session begins March 11.
If it passed, Louisiana public schools would have to proclaim the commandments on their walls in full, including those with messages specific to Christianity: “I AM the LORD thy God. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”
Schools aren’t required to spend their own money on the displays. Governing authorities can use their funds or donated funds to buy the posters or accept gifted ones.
Her proposal includes all public elementary, secondary and postsecondary schools.