State law brings Ten Commandments debate to school board

This story was edited to reflect that State law authorizes, rather than mandates, school boards to display the Ten Commandments. Four Washington County residents addressed the school board Tuesday over a new state law allowing the Ten Commandments to be displayed in local schools. The law allows public schools to display the Ten Commandments, along with the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence and the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, in a prominent location. Local school boards have discretion over where the displays are placed, allowing one display per school. Public Chapter 924 states local boards of education and public charter school governing bodies, as defined in § 49-13-104, may allow schools in the LEA or the public charter school, as HB47 applicable, to display the Ten Commandments, the first sentence of the second paragraph of the preamble to the Declaration of Independence and the preamble to the United States Constitution in a prominent location in a school building in order to educate students on the documents' historical significance and how the documents shaped the common cultural heritage of the LEA or public charter school, this state and the United States of America. Supporters of the Ten Commandments display have said the document has historical significance and reflects religious influences present in some of the nation's founding-era documents. Local resident Marty Murr spoke in favor of the display, connecting the Ten Commandments to other historical documents. "I would like to read the first line of that Treaty of Paris that Benjamin Franklin helped write. He said, 'In the name of the most holy and undivided Trinity,' that was the opening sentence for what this country was built on," Murr said. "I believe it would be very important for the children of our county that these documents be displayed in the school systems so that they do not forget where they came from." Others who spoke questioned whether displaying the Ten Commandments in public schools is consistent with constitutional protections involving religion. They said allowing a religious text in schools could give preference to one faith and make some students feel excluded or singled out. Rev. Brandon Davis of Watauga Avenue Presbyterian Church spoke against the display, saying the role of Christianity in public life should not be defined by government authority. "Christianity has a long history of reaching for political power, and every generation convinces itself that this time, it'll be different," Davis said. "But too often, that pursuit has left people excluded, shamed and convinced that following Christ means controlling people instead of serving them." "I believe our children deserve to encounter Christianity through the lives of faithful people rather than through the authority of the state," Davis added. Mary Grace Wooten, a school board candidate, echoed those concerns during her public comment. She said the display could single out students and create the perception that the school system favors one religion over others. Local resident Linda McGlasson also spoke in opposition, focusing on the influence school environments can have on children. "Students are a very captive audience, and they have no choice over what is put on the walls of their classrooms," McGlasson said. "Many adults are not aware of how much young children pay attention to their environment, including non-verbal messaging. … It does send a subliminal message to these children, and that message is that America is irrevocably linked to Christianity — a concept our Founding Fathers would not have endorsed." Washington County school board members unanimously voted to display the Ten Commandments and other historical documents. The displays will be placed in common traffic areas within schools, with the displays using the same format throughout the district. Director of Schools Jerry Boyd recommended that the district's next steps include determining the locations for the displays and providing the board with a sample for the public record. He also said the district should seek feedback from schools about potential locations. Board member Gregg Huddlestone said he has heard strong support from constituents for moving forward with the displays. Board member Vince Walters was also a vocal proponent of the display. Members of the board said they will continue to monitor guidance from the state as districts implement the new law. Other school districts in the region are also expected to address the law as they update or review their policies as the new school year begins. Carter County and Unicoi County school boards are scheduled to meet later this month. The next Washington County Board of Education meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Central Office, 405 W. College St., Jonesborough.