Imagine a child walking into a new classroom in a Louisiana public school. That child’s eyes widen as he or she sees the Ten Commandments hanging prominently in the classroom. The child feels different and uncomfortable with classmates of different religious backgrounds. The child wonders if his or her faith is being disrespected in this space. Unfortunately, this scenario could become reality for many children as a result of Louisiana’s new mandate that the Ten Commandments must be displayed in all classrooms.
As a pediatrician, I have seen firsthand how these policies affect children’s mental and emotional health. Classrooms should be inclusive havens where all children feel respected, regardless of their religious background. By prioritizing one religious view over another, policies like Louisiana’s risk alienating students who may feel emotional and left out. Additionally, when children want to talk to their pediatrician about new concerns but can’t do so within a typical 30-minute appointment, it further strains an already-strained health care system.
This concern is exacerbated in the current climate of rising infant mortality rates, increased firearm-related injuries and overdoses among children, and a growing youth mental health crisis. This issue is not unique to Louisiana. Oklahoma requires schools to incorporate the Bible and the Ten Commandments into their curriculum. These mandates blur the separation of church and state and can turn educational environments into places of religious conflict rather than places of learning and growth. Such environments can lead to bullying and discrimination against children who do not share mainstream religious beliefs. For the sake of all students, we must rethink these mandates and prioritize policies that create truly inclusive and supportive learning environments where all children feel a sense of belonging.
