Fort Wayne Community Schools board leader opposes lawmakers’ push to get Ten Commandments in public classrooms: Report

House Bill 1231, a proposal requiring Indiana public school districts to display the Ten Commandments in all classrooms and libraries, has sparked criticism from Fort Wayne Community Schools (FWCS), the state’s largest district. FWCS board president Maria Norman voiced opposition during a Monday meeting, citing the district’s diversity and the need to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for students of all backgrounds, report the Journal Gazette.

The bill, introduced by Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) and co-authored by Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville), mandates durable posters or framed displays of the Ten Commandments starting July 1. Estimated costs range from $20 to $60 per item, potentially imposing significant expenses on districts with multiple schools.

Norman argued that prioritizing a single religion is inappropriate, especially in a district serving 30,000 students from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. FWCS, which includes about 50 schools, emphasizes exposure to varied perspectives as a strength.

Critics of the legislation point to its constitutional challenges. Similar laws in other states, such as Louisiana, have been deemed unconstitutional by federal courts. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Education for further review.