PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Marty Jackley is considering supporting legislation to allow the Ten Commandments to be displayed in South Dakota’s public grade schools.
Jackley’s office confirmed Monday morning to South Dakota Broadcasters Association that his decision to join a legal brief defending a Louisiana law requiring K-12 public schools and universities to display the biblical precepts has prompted him to reflect on similar proposals emerging in Pierre.
“He supports the concept, but hasn’t seen specifics on the bill yet,” a spokesman for Jackley said.
Jackley announced in a press release that he, along with 17 other attorneys general from across the country, is backing Louisiana’s efforts to implement the law, which a federal district court had previously blocked.
“The Ten Commandments already are displayed in the U.S. Supreme Court and other public buildings,” Jackley stated. “The Ten Commandments have influenced the creation of our nation and our rule of law.”
Though several federal and state facilities across the country display the Biblical laws, Louisiana was the first state in the union to make such a requirement of its public education facilities.
But if incoming Rep.-elect John Carley has his way, South Dakota would become the second.
His Senate Bill 51 would require local school districts to put a poster or document that is at least 8 inches by 14 inches with the listing in “large, easily readable font” into each classroom.
Though state law currently allows the Commandments — which include guidances urging people not to murder and steal, among other offenses — to be displayed in classrooms at the choice of teachers, Carley believes their fundamental role in the founding of the country should mean they becomes mandatory for students to see.
“This bill is modeled after Louisiana’s,” Carley said of his legislation. “Because of this, a number of states are now considering it… It has an amazing historical signifigance for the founding of America. It is an amazing way to display this along with other founding documents in our schools.”
He noted that the Ten Commandments were previously displayed in public schools, and that he appreciates Jackley’s initial support.
“I am thankful that he weighed in on the lawsuit. I am glad he brings that same level of enthusiasm encouragement to our state,” Carley continued. “He certainly recognizes the impact of this.”
Carley’s legislation, which currently boasts 14 additional co-sponsors, will see opposition from at least one organization in the state. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) says that the measure “blatantly violates” the promise of the first amendment.
“Students already have the right to engage in religious exercise and expression at school under current law,” said Samantha Chapman, the ACLU of South Dakota’s advocacy manager. “America is not a theocracy and South Dakota’s public schools shouldn’t be used to religiously indoctrinate or convert students.”
