"In God We Trust" is the official motto of the United States. It was adopted as the nation's motto in 1956 as an alternative or replacement to the unofficial motto of E pluribus unum ("Out of many, one"). Advocates of separation of church and state argue the phrase should be removed from currency and public property. They claim its religious reference violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.
According to House Bill 1980, which was approved on 04/05/2017, Arkansas law may be amended concerning the display of the national motto of the United States, “In God We Trust.” The law claimed to be about promoting the national motto but the problem is that national motto of the United States is about religion not patriotism.. Bill drafting template, Act 911, states posters or framed pictures either have to be donated from a private organization or purchased with funds made available through voluntary contributions to the local school boards or the Building Authority Division of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration.
House Bill 1980 reads:
“If funds under subsection (b) of this section are available, local school superintendents of the public schools in this state and the administrative officials of state agencies shall place a durable poster or framed copy representing:
(A) The national motto of the United States, “In God We Trust”;
(B) An accurate representation of the United States flag, which shall be centered under the national motto; and
(C) An accurate representation of the Arkansas state flag.”
“In God We Trust” motto would be displayed in each public elementary and secondary school library and classroom in the state, due to the new law. This law also requires the motto to appear in any public building that’s maintained or operated by public funds.
Superintendents will continue to review the act but reactions are already interesting. “It should be there,” said Sharon Sumpter from Mulberry. “We need to turn more back to our religion, our roots and why our country was founded.” “If you take ‘In God We Trust’ out, I mean that’s basically telling them God’s dead, you know?,” said Doug Wilburn from North Little Rock.
Photo Credits: One Nation Blog
