“If students followed the Ten Commandments, we’d have a lot better nation right now,” bill sponsor Rep. Steven Long said.
SOUTH CAROLINA, USA — A bill moving through the South Carolina State House is drawing sharp reactions over the role of religion in public schools.
House Bill 4762 would require public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments as a historical document, alongside items such as the Declaration of Independence, and would allow volunteer chaplains to serve in public schools.
Supporters of the bill say it reinforces shared values and provides additional support for students. Opponents argue it violates the constitutional separation of church and state.
“If students followed the Ten Commandments, we’d have a lot better nation right now,” said Rep. Steven Long, the bill’s primary sponsor.
Long says the legislation is about recognizing history, not promoting religion.
“Even if you don’t necessarily agree with it, the fact that it has had a tremendous impact on the foundation of our country is undeniable,” Long said.
But, civil liberties advocates strongly disagree. The American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina says requiring religious displays in public school classrooms crosses a constitutional line.
“I think this proposed bill is unconstitutional and lawmakers should throw it in the trash where it belongs,” Jace Woodrum, executive director of the SC ACLU, said.
The display of the Ten Commandments could marginalize students of different faiths or no faith at all, the ACLU said.
“Our public schools are diverse communities,” Woodrum said. “Educators and students of all faiths come together with a shared goal of learning,” he continued.
Woodrum also questioned how the requirement would function in everyday classrooms.
“Math teachers with Ten Commandments on their wall doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me,” he said, encouraging teachers to focus on materials that support student learning.
In addition to classroom displays, the bill would allow school districts to establish volunteer school chaplain programs. Critics say that provision is “unnecessary.”
“When parents want their child to receive that, they have choices,” Woodrum said. “They can choose to provide that outside of the public school setting through a faith community or a private religious school.”
Supporters say chaplains would be optional, community-based, and governed by local school districts, with parental consent required.
“It’s important that students have support services available to them. This is one small way we can do that,” Long said.
As House Bill 4762 continues moving through committee, both supporters and opponents say they are watching closely. Civil liberties groups warn the legislation could face legal challenges if it becomes law.
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