A new South Dakota state law just went into effect this month that requires the motto “In God We Trust” to be prominently displayed at every school campus within the state’s public school system.
The law states that each display of the motto must be at least 12×12 inches and approved by the principal of the school.
Could this be a sign that our country is about to experience a resurgance of Christian and patriotic values?
Is the tide turning?
Take a look at the breaking news that is being shared on Twitter:
The Des Moines Register has more details on the new law:
When students return to public schools across South Dakota this fall, they should expect to see a new message on display: “In God We Trust.”
A new state law that took effect this month requires all public schools in the state’s 149 districts to paint, stencil or otherwise prominently display the national motto.
The South Dakota lawmakers who proposed the law said the requirement was meant to inspire patriotism in the state’s public schools. Displays must be at least 12-by-12 inches and must be approved by the school’s principal, according to the law.
Associated School Boards of South Dakota executive director Wade Pogany said schools are complying with the law in different ways.
“Some have plaques. Other have it painted on the wall, maybe in a mural setting,” Pogany said. In one school “it was within their freedom wall. They added that to a patriotic theme.”
Business Insider also stated:
"In God We Trust" has long been printed on US currency, but many believe the adage is now outdated and doesn't reflect the values of all Americans.
In South Dakota, however, government officials have passed a bill to bring the saying back to prominence in public schools, The Washington Post reported. Called the "In God We Trust" bill, the law states that any public school in South Dakota must display the phrase in at least 12 inches by 12 inches font and "in a prominent location."
"Let's keep hope alive," said Phil Jensen, the South Dakota senator who sponsored the bill. "This is our legislature, our history, a nation that trusts God."
Senator Jensen also said he sees this law as a "historical reaffirmation of the principles our country was founded on."
But critics of the legislation say it crosses a line and violates the part of the First Amendment that promises freedom from a specific religion.
"Our position is that it's a terrible violation of freedom of conscience to inflict a godly message on a captive audience of schoolchildren," Freedom From Religion Foundation co-President Annie Laurie Gaylor told the Associated Press.
What do you think?
Did South Dakota make the right call?
Share your thoughts on Twitter!
Join the conversation!
Please share your thoughts about this article below. We value your opinions, and would love to see you add to the discussion!