As of Tuesday, public schools in Louisiana are required by law to display the national motto, “In God We Trust,” in classrooms.
The legislation, HB8, was officially signed into law by Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards in June and went into effect on August 1.
The law requires that the motto be “displayed on a poster or framed document that is at least eleven inches by fourteen inches. The motto shall be the central focus of the poster or framed document and shall be printed in a large, easily readable font.”
State Rep. Dodie Horton (R), the bill’s author, told local CNN affiliate WVUE that the motto “doesn’t preach any particular religion at all, but it certainly does recognize a higher power.”
“It’s a positive message in this world that throws so many negative things at our children,” Horton added.
However, critics say the law further erodes lines separating church and state.
“It’s our belief that parents, not school officials, should be responsible for shaping their children’s religious education,” ACLU of Louisiana said in a statement.
