
In December, Pastor Angelo Frazier urged the Board to include the Ten Commandments in classrooms, igniting a debate over religion in schools. On Tuesday evening, the School Board reconvened as 17 community members—both supporters and opponents—voiced their opinions on the discussion.
“It wasn’t until I was a freshman in college learning about religious texts in Punjabi…that I realized that I learned that this idea about God had been shaped not by my faith but by institutional teachings of the U.S. Education Board,” argued one community member.
Another concerned community member declared that the addition of the 10 commandments would be considered treason as it contradicts the 1st amendment generated by the U.S. Constitution.
“We are focused on the wrong issues here. 55% of students in Kern failed to meet the English Arts Standards and 83% did not meet the mathematical standards.” said another community member.

If the board decides to move forward with this policy, it would affect seven areas that fall under the Kern County Board of Education.
Those favoring the policy argued that this would be vital for students as they serve as “an important historical document that is the foundation of civilization.”
Alyssa Jones who teaches at Kern High School District and is a Christian told the board that they are gambling with the money that belongs to students’ success. She emphasized that, while she is a proud Christian, “It is counterproductive to force Christianity on others. They are going to rebel against it, we are creating more damage by implementing these policies.”
The Kern County Board of Education remains undecided about implementing 10 Commandments across all classrooms. According to Peter Eliasberg, chief counsel of ACLU Southern California, the board may face legal lawsuits if they push this policy forward.