After Student Complaints Muldrow (OK) Schools to Remove Ten Commandments

Written by Don Byrd
A student in Oklahoma created a stir by urging his school to remove the Ten Commandments from the hallways. The Freedom From Religion Foundation threatened to file a lawsuit if they remain up. Unfortunately, many in the school are turning their anger toward the student who complained.

Tennessee Sheriff Posts Ten Commandments in Jailhouse

Written by Don Byrd
Rutherford County, Tennessee has seen its share of church-state controversies. Most notably, its Murfreesboro mosque received national attention after a court battle determined its right to be constructed. Back in 2006, an ACLU lawsuit secured the removal of the Ten Commandments from the county courthouse. Now, the sheriff of Rutherford County seems poised to set off another dispute, after posting the Ten Commandments at the county jail.

Kentucky County Removes Ten Commandments from Schools Following Complaint

Written by Don Byrd
For years, Breathitt County Schools in Kentucky have displayed the Ten Commandments in classrooms, offices and conference rooms, according to a demand letter sent to the head of schools by the Freedom From Religion Foundation. The Lexington Herald-Leader reports on the decision to remove them, rather than face a costly legal battle.

More State Legislatures Considering Religion

Written by Don Byrd
So many religion-themed bills are being proposed and advanced in state legislatures these days, it’s hard to keep up.

In Texas, a resolution was introduced Monday (pdf) that says the legislature “support(s) prayers, including the use of the word ‘God,’ at public gatherings as well as displays of the Ten Commandments in public educational institutions and other government buildings.”

In North Carolina, meanwhile, a bill would add a Bible study elective to the public school curriculum.

Judge: Ten Commandments Challenge in Pennsylvania will Continue

Written by Don Byrd
Earlier this week, a federal judge in Pennsylvania refused to dismiss a challenge to a Ten Commandments monument in the Kensington-Arnold School District. The decision means the suit arguing the monument violates the separation of church and state will continue.