South Dakota Bill Sparks Debate on Ten Commandments in Schools
In Pierre, South Dakota, a legislative committee recently voted 4-3 to endorse a controversial bill that mandates the teaching and display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. This decision sets the stage for a robust debate over educational policy and religious freedom in the state, one that has resonated deeply with South Dakota’s residents.
The bill, introduced by freshman lawmaker Sen. John Carley, R-Piedmont, calls for the installation of 8-by-14-inch posters of the Ten Commandments in classrooms with “easily readable font.” It also requires that the Commandments be included in history and civics curricula three times during a student’s education—in elementary, middle, and high school.
Carley argues the Ten Commandments have historically underpinned American legal and cultural frameworks, a point he makes by referencing early educational materials like the New England Primer. “I don’t think there’s a singular document, perhaps outside the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution, that has been more ubiquitous in law, in government, education, media, and culture, than the Ten Commandments,” said Carley during a recent committee meeting.

Sen. Jamie Smith D-Sioux Falls
Support for the bill has also emerged from national groups. Elijah O’Neal from the American Journey Experience Museum in Texas, along with WallBuilders, a Texas-based organization promoting religious heritage in America, have both voiced strong endorsements.
The opponents, however, have been equally vocal. Various organizations, including the South Dakota School Administrators Association, the American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota, and several local religious leaders, argue it infringes on the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits the establishment of religion.
Sen. Jamie Smith, D-Sioux Falls, a former public school teacher who voted against the bill, highlighted the diversity of interpretations of the Ten Commandments, pointing out, “There are different versions of the Ten Commandments, and I didn’t grow up with the version Carley wants displayed.” Sen. Smith is concerned that the bill may force a particular religious narrative upon students, which could be seen as a form of indoctrination. He’s accompanied in opposition by Sen. Kyle Schoenfish, R-Scotland, who believes that existing policies already offer schools the option of displaying the Ten Commandments without a blanket mandate.
Though supporters cite a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling—Kennedy v. Bremerton School District— arguing that historical religious displays are permissible, the bill could still face potential legal challenges. Louisiana passed a similar measure, only to see it swiftly contested in court amidst claims of constitutionality violations.
Despite the contentious path ahead, Sen. Sue Peterson, R-Sioux Falls, points to the smooth implementation of a 2019 state law requiring the national motto, “In God We Trust,” to be displayed in schools as a possible precedent for this new initiative.
Local educators voice concerns that such mandates undercut autonomy in teaching and could lead to misconceptions or legal conflicts. Among these is Rob Monson from the South Dakota school administrators, who warns that pushing such a broad directive may not yield the intended moral benefits and could overwhelm school governance.
The bill assigns oversight to the South Dakota Board of Education Standards, though notably it does not specify penalties for noncompliance, leaving many to speculate on its practical enforceability. As the bill progresses to the full state Senate, it remains clear that the conversation about religious representation in schools is far from over.
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