Legislation that would require the national motto “In God We Trust” to be displayed in every school classroom in public schools across the state was approved by a full House in a 98-4 vote. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton says it’s not pushing religion on anyone
“That is our motto. That’s who we are and that’s what it’s saying. I think it’s important for our children to see it and not just walk passed it and not even know it’s there. So that’s my goal.”
Legislation was passed in 2018 by Senator Regina Barrow requiring the motto to be placed at every public school. An opponent of the bill, Gretna Representative Joe Marino says the bill could be seen as promoting a particular religious belief.
“Doesn’t it seem like we’re walking right to the edge of the separation of church and state by putting it in every classroom? Like next we could have that it’s printed on the cover of every book.”
The bill does not require public funds to be spent on purchasing the displays. Instead, public school governing authorities, management boards, and institutions may spend their funds or accept donated displays. Horton says there are no penalties and no burdens on taxpayers.
“Since it’s donations, they are not mandated to have it unless they’re donated. I didn’t want to have an issue or a school be punished because nobody’s donated it.”
The bill now heads to Senate.
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