Media Advisory: Federal Appeals Court to Hear Arguments in Challenge to Arkansas Public School Ten Commandments Law
September 21, 2026 12:00 am
WHAT:
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit will hear oral arguments in Stinson v. Fayetteville School District No. 1, a constitutional challenge to an Arkansas law (Act 573) that requires public schools to display a government-selected version of the Ten Commandments in every classroom and library, forcing religious scripture on children every day of the school year.
The state of Arkansas is appealing a federal district court ruling that permanently prohibits the defendant school districts from implementing the law. The district court held that the statute violates both the Establishment and Free Exercise Clauses of the First Amendment.
The plaintiffs are 10 multifaith and nonreligious Arkansas families represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas, the ACLU, Americans United for Separation of Church and State, the Freedom From Religion Foundation, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.
WHO:
Oral arguments will be heard before Eighth Circuit Judges Bobby E. Shepherd, L. Steven Grasz, and David R. Stras.
WHEN:
Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. The court session begins at 9 a.m. CT/10 a.m ET. Stinson is the first case scheduled for argument.
WHERE:
Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse
Division IV, Southwest Courtroom, 27th Floor
111 South 10th Street
St. Louis, MO 63102
The court is expected to provide a public access number here for listening to the hearing remotely. Attorneys will be available for comment following arguments.
Learn more about Stinson v. Fayetteville School District No. 1 here.
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