The decision means that the law will remain in effect while the case moves forward — a disappointing outcome for Alabama students, educators, and campus communities already harmed by the law’s sweeping restrictions.

The lawsuit highlights egregious violations of Ms. Ratchford and Ms. Smith’s constitutional rights after they were arrested for silently holding letter-size pieces of paper at a school board meeting in November 2023.

This is the second execution that has taken place in Alabama in 2025.

New report highlights racial disparities, a history of misclassified deaths, and a persistent lack of transparency from the Alabama Department of Corrections.