The Ten Commandments; a series of guidelines used in the practice of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Private schools across the country preach the commandments, but when does it come into public schooling?
States including; Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas, are reviewing laws declaring that the Ten Commandments are required to be posted in public school classrooms. Cornell Law states that no law establishing religion shall be passed, making even the consideration of passing these laws a controversial subject. Posting the Ten Commandments in public schools directly violates the First Amendment. Freedom of religion gives the right to any American citizen to practice their own religion, giving inclusivity to one religion can be translated to discrimination on others. This could also result in ignorance to all the Amendments. Small changes can lead to detrimental effects, stepping towards violating the Amendments will only create a trend. Allowing The Ten Commandments in classrooms harms religious freedom and affects the following of all Amendments.
Public schools are meant to be open and respectful to a variety of religions, that is why in the past many public school systems have refrained from discussing personal religion. Of course, religion dominates most history, especially in the United States. There is a distinct difference between teaching the history of religion and preaching it. The argument to having the Ten Commandments posted in public schools is motivated by having students follow and obey the Commandments. Students in public schools have the right to practice their own religion and should not be required to follow the Ten Commandments.
Proselytism; the action of forcing religion onto someone. If the motivation of keeping the Ten Commandments in school is to have students follow them, that would be classified as Proselytism. Looping back to freedom of religion, Proselytism is illegal. Public schools are meant to provide an open, free and safe space but disregarding simple rights is dangerous and unethical.
I grew up with the perspective of feeling left out or not respected when I was told to keep quiet about my religion. Speaking on God was never accepted unless it was in history, yet it was barely touched on in elementary school. I understand that the “hush-hush” feeling of not being able to discuss religion can seem inequal, but it shouldn’t be compared to basic human rights.
Ultimately, it comes down to what is legal, and ethical vs. not. If a student follows the Ten Commandments or not is up to them, yet promoting them in public schools is a different situation. Doing this would be a horribly negative step in any school. The Ten Commandments should not be included in public schooling.
