The two and a half ton monument of the Ten Commandments was removed Wednesday from the Alabama Supreme Court building in Montgomery, Ala., causing debate both nation- and campuswide on freedom of speech and religious expression.
According to the Associated Press, the removal was the finale in a long, drawn-out battle between Chief Justice Roy Moore and the Alabama state courts.
Moore was suspended from duty Aug. 23 because he violated judicial ethics by refusing to follow federal court orders to remove the monument.
The monument was installed in August 2001. Last year, the district judge in Montgomery ruled the monument was in violation of the Constitution because it is a governmental endorsement of a religious doctrine.
Christopher Kenny, an associate professor in American politics, said Moore’s actions walk the line of the “establishment clause” that prohibits any establishment of a national religion. The problem with Moore’s monument, Kenny said, is “it’s intimidating to someone who might not believe in a god.”
Kim Martinez, a psychology and art junior, agreed.
“I don’t think he should have put it in there, period,” Martinez said.
The prominent placement of the monument puts it, as Kenny said, “too much in your face.”
People of all religions use the court building the monument is placed in, and Martinez said “you have to respect everyone’s religious beliefs.”
The Rev. Than Vu, pastor of Christ the King Catholic Church, said it was important to uphold principles but to do so without imposing beliefs on others.
Moore’s motives have been questioned by many. Vu, who admires Moore’s conviction, said the display “started as a defiance, and that’s where the problem is.”
Many suspect that the publicity Moore has gained will be put to use in a senator’s or governor’s candidacy.
Protesters have been swarming the Alabama state judicial building for almost two weeks, praying and speaking in favor of Moore’s position.
Various coalitions and religious groups have shown interest in the case because it has potential to be an important step in further separation of church and state.
Vincent White, a sociology senior, believes the removal of the monument was too drastic.
“I think we are trying to sacrifice main beliefs for everyone else’s,” he said.
Michelle Olinde, an anthropology freshman, said the removal was necessary.
“If we believe in separation of church and state, we can’t put Catholic, Protestant, Hindu and Muslim monuments in our state buildings,” she said.
The U.S. Government has many traditions rooted in religion – such as prayers that open up meetings of Congress and the Pledge of Allegiance that states our nation is “under God.”
Rodger Payne, associate professor of religion and American culture, said the monument is unconstitutional because “it privileges the Protestant version. [Moore] has very clearly crossed the line between church and state.”
Kenny said religious groups are increasingly pushing for public policy.
Some say this tactic could backfire. Payne said “the end result is going to be they are going to see more and more of these vestiges removed.”