South Carolina Advances Bill to Require Ten Commandments in Classrooms

A legislative proposal that would mandate the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school and college classroom across South Carolina is moving toward a full House vote. The House Judiciary Committee recently advanced the measure, reigniting a long-standing debate over the intersection of faith, history, and constitutional law in the public education system.

If enacted, South Carolina would join Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas in requiring such displays. All three of those states are currently entangled in federal litigation regarding the constitutionality of their respective mandates.

Educational and Moral Justification

Proponents of the bill characterize the Ten Commandments as foundational historical documents that influenced the development of American law and civic values. Supporters suggest that the displays would provide a framework for moral education without necessarily promoting a specific religious doctrine.

The legislation outlines specific physical requirements for the displays:

• Dimensions: Each poster or framed document must be at least 11 inches wide and 14 inches tall.

• Funding: School districts would not be responsible for the cost of the displays; instead, they would rely on donated materials or private funds.

Constitutional and Social Concerns

Opponents, including civil rights organizations and the ACLU of South Carolina, argue that the mandate violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. Critics maintain that public schools should remain neutral ground and that prioritizing one religious text over others could marginalize students from minority faith backgrounds or those who do not identify with any religion.

Legal experts anticipate that South Carolina will face similar court challenges to those seen in Louisiana if the bill becomes law. Some observers have also questioned the practical efficacy of mandated displays, suggesting that a legislative requirement may not necessarily impact the personal beliefs of the student body.

Key Provisions of the Proposed Legislation

Next Steps in the Statehouse

The bill now heads to the full House of Representatives for further deliberation. The inclusion of a provision allowing school districts to permit volunteer chaplains to provide religious counseling on campus is expected to be a secondary point of significant debate as the legislative process continue