1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

The display of religious texts like the Ten Commandments in public schools raises concerns about maintaining the separation of church and state enshrined in the First Amendment. While documents such as the Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence, and U.S. Constitution reflect the philosophical underpinnings of American democracy, promoting one particular faith's scripture can make students from other belief systems feel alienated. Public schools should aim to be inclusive environments for all students regardless of their religious backgrounds. If a school wishes to highlight religious texts, it should do so through an academic, comparative religions lens rather than seeming to endorse one faith over others. Maintaining secularism in public education protects religious freedom for all.