Identity of Speakers
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n/a
Student
Other
Additional Information
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Incident Nature:
Other
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Incident Political Orientation:
Right wing -
Incident Responses:
University administration changed university policy as a consequence
Other
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Incident Status:
No litigation
- Did not involve Speech Codes
Summary
In April 2025, Arkansas passed Act 573, requiring a “durable poster or framed copy of a historical representation of the Ten Commandments” to be prominently displayed in every classroom and library of public K‑12 schools, all public institutions of higher education, and other taxpayer-funded public buildings. The law specified that the posters could be donated or purchased through voluntary contributions rather than public funds.
The University of Arkansas received approximately 500 donated posters from the Christian nonprofit Counteract USA, founded by a former UA student. Beginning the week of October 13, 2025, the university began installing the posters in multiple buildings, including classrooms and libraries. University officials informed building executives and communications directors about the installations and emphasized that the posters were considered state property, warning that tampering or removal could result in disciplinary or legal consequences under the Code of Student Life. Installation continued through the fall semester, with several dozen posters hung by late October.
The displays prompted tangible consequences. At least one alumnus withdrew scholarship funding and adjusted his will after learning that the posters had been installed in the architecture school. In response, the university organized a teach-in to provide historical context about the Ten Commandments, including discussion of their role in American legal tradition and the ongoing debates surrounding the law.
By late October 2025, the Ten Commandments posters were fully installed across campus
