Religion & Belief

The right to practice religion, or no religion at all, is among the most fundamental of the freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.

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The ACLU works to ensure that this essential freedom is protected by keeping the government out of religion.

The Latest


News & Commentary
The Ten Commandments displayed on the wall.

A Win for Religious Freedom: Why the Court Blocked Arkansas’s Ten Commandments Law

A federal court blocked Arkansas’s Ten Commandments law, affirming students’ religious freedom and limits on government in schools.
Press Release
Ten Commandments monument on Arkansas State Capitol gounds

Court Permanently Blocks Arkansas Law Requiring Ten Commandments in Every Public School Classroom and Library

Know Your Rights
Know Your Rights: Bill ofl Rights

Know Your Rights: The Bill of Rights In Simple Language

Know Your Rights
Students Rights posters

Students' Rights Hub

The Supreme Court ruled in 1969 that students do not "shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate." This is true for other fundamental rights, as well.

Cases, Campaigns & Legislation


Legislation
Apr 2, 2025

Regarding the Display of the National Motto and the Ten Commandments

Status: Passed One Chamber
Position: Oppose
Legislation
Feb 20, 2025

To Create The Religious Rights At Public Schools Act Of 2025

Status: Enacted
Position: Oppose
Legislation
Feb 4, 2025

An Act to Authorize a Public School to Employ or Accept as a Volunteer a Chaplain; And For Other Purposes

SB164 would allow schools to employ chaplains or accept volunteer chaplains.
Status: Failed
Position: Oppose