School board contemplates Commandments

The Alleghany County Board of Education last week discussed a document more than 3,000 years old: the 10 Commandments, as well as the implications of displaying that passage of the Bible at school.

While officials agreed they would like to see the 10 Commandments included in a historical display at one or more of the schools — or possibly even at the board's central office building — the board took no action. Members hesitated to become a target for a potential lawsuit, agreeing instead to wait for more information.

Board member Sonia Joines brought up the subject during the "board member concerns" portion of the Dec. 5 meeting. She said the 10 Commandments are part of the nation's heritage. "I think it's part of our lives, most of us. If it couldn't be taught as religion, could it be taught as part of our history, part of our country?"

Phil Howell, principal at Piney Creek Elementary School, said, "The state is saying one thing, the federal government and the (U.S.) Supreme Court is saying something different."

Legislation recently passed by the N.C. General Assembly allows use of the 10 Commandments as part of a historical display.

Superintendent Duane Davis said he has been in discussions with principals about the possibility of such a display, particularly at Alleghany High School.

"Most school systems are hesitant to do that," said Howell.

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