BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Several legal and civil liberties groups sent a co-written letter to the Kern County Board of Education on Wednesday, urging the board to reject the public display of the Ten Commandments at its schools.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, ACLU National, Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Freedom from Religion Foundation sent the letter to the board, according to ACLU SoCal.
KCBOE is slated to consider approving a resolution on Thursday that would display the Ten Commandments, along with other historical documents like the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, Pledge of Allegiance, National Motto and more, at five of its six Alternative Education schools.
In the letter, ACLU and other organizations opposing the idea said approving the resolution to publicly display the Ten Commandments would be a violation of the California and U.S. Constitutions.
This could lead to possible legal troubles and expenses for the board, the letter warned.
The letter emphasized several clauses in the state and national constitutions the resolution would violate if passed, such as the freedom to exercise a religion without discrimination and the separation of church and state.
ACLU said mandating a public display of the Ten Commandments at schools would stir up “deep religious divisions” in the community.
“Many students and families will oppose the displays, not because they are anti-religion, but because they hold dear the ability to determine their religious beliefs and practices for themselves, without the government’s interference or pressure,” the letter said.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13. It will take place in the Board Room at the City Centre at 1300 17th St., according to the meeting agenda.
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