Ban Stands on Use of ‘interfaith’ Decalogue in N. Y. Schools

The New York State Board of Regents refused yesterday to review a decision by State Education Commissioner James E. Allen, Jr., banning the use of an “inter-denominational” version of the Ten Commandments in the schools of New Hyde Park, a suburban community on New York City’s limits. The Board averred that it lacked the power of review.

Commissioner Allen’s formal opinion last Summer asserted that the use of the neutralized version of the Decalogue had stirred “controversy and bitterness.” He held that education was not served by “acts which create divisiveness, ill feeling and unwholesome controversy.” The appeal against the Ten Commandments in the schools was brought by a local resident.