WCS reviews Ten Commandments display proposal

A proposed design and $1,595 cost estimate for Ten Commandments displays were presented Tuesday as Washington County Schools moves toward implementing a new state law. Officials presented to board members Tuesday with a proof and cost estimate for displays of the Ten Commandments and other historical documents that could be placed in district schools. The presentation came after the Washington County Board of Education voted Aug. 3 to allow the displays under a new Tennessee law. School officials previously said the displays could be ready by the end of the year. According to agenda documents, Great White Graphics provided a quote of $1,595 for 13 displays measuring 3 feet by 7 feet. The board did not make a final decision on the design or purchase during Tuesday's work session. Formal decisions may come during an upcoming regular board meeting. Public Chapter 924, which took effect July 1, allows local boards of education and public charter school governing bodies to permit schools 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 U.S. Constitution in a prominent location in a school building. The law says the displays are intended to educate students about the historical significance of the documents and how they shaped the common cultural heritage of the local education agency, Tennessee and the United States. Under the law, a prominent location includes a school entryway, cafeteria or common area where students are likely to see the display. The documents must be displayed together, with text at least 26-point font and in a style and manner that is easy for students to see and read. The law also encourages fraternal organizations and other organizations or individuals to donate funds or materials needed for the displays. District officials said they are taking donations for the display and school funds will not be used. The planned displays have drawn attention from the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee. Lucas Cameron-Vaughn, interim legal director of the ACLU of Tennessee, requested records Friday regarding the Washington County Board of Education's consideration and approval of the displays. The ACLU of Tennessee said it made the request in collaboration with the American Civil Liberties Union, the Freedom From Religion Foundation and Americans United for Separation of Church and State as part of an investigation into school districts that have approved the displays. Other districts identified as part of the investigation include Blount, White, Wilson and Rutherford counties. 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.