NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A new Tennessee law allowing public schools to display the Ten Commandments is beginning to take shape across the state, with several school districts already moving forward.
Public Chapter 924, which took effect July 1, allows local school boards to permit displays of the Ten Commandments, the preamble to the U.S. Constitution and a portion of the Declaration of Independence in prominent locations within school buildings. The law does not require districts to participate, leaving the decision to local school boards.
Supporters say the displays serve as both historical and moral instruction. State Rep. Michael Hale (R-Smithville), one of the law's supporters, described the Ten Commandments as important principles that remain relevant today. "These are just good moral, foundational ... if I practice those, you and I can have a great relationship," Hale said.
"I hope all 147 school districts will do this," State Rep. Scott Cepicky (R-Culleoka) said during floor debate.
So far, five Tennessee school districts have started the process of approving displays of the Ten Commandments in their schools. Three of those districts are in Middle Tennessee — Rutherford, Wilson and White County Schools.
Rutherford County furthest along
Among the districts moving forward, Rutherford County appears to be the furthest along in the process.
The Rutherford County School Board has approved a full-color display design roughly the size of a movie poster and has begun fundraising efforts to pay for the project without using taxpayer dollars.
Board member Frances Rosales said she supports ensuring every school receives the display. "We need to have consistency for every school to have it displayed and not pick one school over another," Rosales said.
District leaders say they won't move forward with installation until the full amount of money required is raised. "So you're looking at about $12,400 dollars. Of that, $7,000 dollars has already been raised," board member Caleb Tidwell said.
A spokesperson for Rutherford County Schools did not respond to our request for comment.
Wilson County moves forward
Wilson County's School Board has also begun raising money for its displays and recently voted to advance the proposal.
Board member Greg Hohman said the displays would help students understand the nation's history. "This is who we are as a nation, this is where we came from. And our kids need to know it," Hohman said.
District officials have indicated the displays will not be installed until enough money has been raised to complete the project. According to a Wilson County Schools spokesperson, pricing and designs are still being considered and will be discussed at an upcoming meeting.
The district spokesperson declined to do an interview for this story until more information was finalized.
The board gave its initial approval on a 6-0 vote.
White County still developing policy
White County Schools is in an earlier stage of the process.
The White County School Board recently began adopting a policy related to displaying the Ten Commandments and other historical documents in district schools.
Board members discussed how the policy should be structured and how closely it should mirror the requirements of the state law. While the board voted to advance the proposal, many implementation details remain unresolved.
White County board member Jayson McDonald voiced strong support during the discussion. "We're not afraid to stand on the beliefs of what Jesus and what God has done for us in our lives," McDonald said.
No one from the White County School System responded to our request for comment.
Civil rights groups raise concerns
Not everyone supports the new law.
Critics argue that displaying the Ten Commandments in public schools blurs the line between government and religion, and some worry the law could invite costly legal challenges.
Civil rights organizations have already begun examining how districts are implementing the legislation. The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and the Freedom From Religion Foundation have filed public records requests seeking documents related to school districts' plans for Ten Commandments displays. White County, Rutherford County and Wilson County are among the districts that have received records requests.
In a joint statement, the organizations said: "Forcing biblical scripture on public-school children violates families' religious freedom. Families and faith communities, not the government, get to decide what role religious doctrine and belief play in their lives. We are committed to protecting students’ and parents’ constitutional rights and are launching an investigation of every school district that foolishly accepts the state’s invitation to trample those rights. We urge families who will be affected by these religious displays to contact our organizations."
The groups say they are investigating how the new law is being implemented and are reviewing districts' plans for displaying the Ten Commandments.
As more school boards take up the issue, additional Tennessee districts could still choose to participate under the law.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at Chris.Davis@NewsChannel5.com.
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