By PSA Newsroom Staff
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Lawmakers in the South Carolina General Assembly are debating a bill that would require every public school and college classroom in the state to display a copy of the Ten Commandments. The proposal has moved out of a House subcommittee and now heads to the full Judiciary Committee, drawing strong opinions on both sides of the issue.
The legislation, House Bill 3217, would amend state law to require a framed copy or poster of the Ten Commandments in a conspicuous place in every public K-12 and college classroom, with schools allowed to use donated posters that meet size and formatting requirements.
Read the bill text and details here: House Bill 3217 — SC Ten Commandments in Classrooms (LegiScan)
Supporters of the bill argue it acknowledges the historical role of the Ten Commandments in shaping Western legal and moral traditions and could contribute to students’ understanding of civic and cultural history. They emphasize the language of the bill frames the displays as educational, not religious, in intent. Some legislators say it could spark classroom discussion about history and ethics.
Proponents often describe the measure as reinforcing American heritage, not imposing religious worship. “It’s about history and values our nation was founded on,” one supporter said, framing the proposal within a civic context rather than a religious one.
Critics, however, contend the proposal raises serious constitutional concerns. The First Amendment’s Establishment Clause prohibits government endorsement of religion, and opponents argue that mandating the display of a religious text in public schools could be seen as state support for a specific faith. Civil liberties groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina, have publicly opposed the measure, saying it could alienate students of different faiths or no faith at all.
Some legal observers point to ongoing court challenges in other states, such as Louisiana’s law requiring Ten Commandments displays, where judges have blocked or questioned similar mandates over constitutional issues. Those cases suggest South Carolina could face litigation if the bill becomes law.
Beyond legal debate, some educators and parents question whether the legislature is addressing the most urgent needs in public education. Critics argue that focusing on classroom displays could divert attention from issues such as academic performance, teacher staffing shortages and student support services. Supporters counter that historical literacy and moral context enrich education and deserve attention alongside academic priorities.
As the bill moves forward, lawmakers on both sides are preparing for further hearings and debate in the House. If the legislature passes the measure and the governor signs it, legal challenges are widely anticipated because of the constitutional questions it raises.
