A federal judge struck down Act 573 of 2025, the Arkansas law mandating the Ten Commandments be posted in public school classrooms, calling the measure unconstitutional and without a legitimate educational purpose.

U.S. District Judge Timothy Brooks ruled the law violates the First Amendment, emphasizing that it requires religious displays “without regard to the class's subject matter, students' ages or other material consideration.” In his opinion, Brooks wrote, “Nothing could possibly justify hanging the Ten Commandments, with or without historical context, in a calculus, chemistry, French, or woodworking class.”

The lawsuit was brought last year by seven families from diverse religious and nonreligious backgrounds, who argued the law constituted government endorsement of religion. Plaintiffs were represented by the American Civil Liberties Union and other advocacy groups.

Brooks rejected the state’s claim that the displays were passive, noting students would repeatedly encounter them throughout their education. He also dismissed proposals to limit exposure to specific students, saying creating “‘Ten Commandment-free bubbles’ around each child-Plaintiff” would be impractical and insufficient.

Arkansas officials said they plan to appeal the ruling. Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders defended the law, calling the Ten Commandments “the basis of all Western law and morality,” while supporters argue the displays reflect historical influence.

The decision adds to a series of legal challenges to similar measures nationwide, including cases pending in Texas and Louisiana.