In Texas They’re Mandatory. In Kansas, In God We Trust Posters Optional

Christian Otis, Reporter

English teacher Sharon Mueller feels strongly about showing pride in her country.

“I served in the military and I’m proudly a veteran. I’m proud to be a united states citizen and I believe our flag is an important representation and symbol of that freedom,” she said. “Our veterans died for that choice to be free and decide whether or not we want to post these types of things to remind us of our country and our patriotism.”

Texas recently made a rule where any “In God We Trust” posters bought or donated schools must be displayed. However, here they’re optional.

“The district’s guidelines are that donated in god we trust posters are made available optionally to district staff to display around classrooms,” district spokesperson Wendy Johnson said.

“In God We Trust” became the national motto in 1956 as a way of separating the U.S. from the communist Soviets.

“’In God We Trust’ is our motto was to promote the United States being the right nation whereas the Russians were trying to paint the U.S. as the bad guy. We use this to try and paint ourselves as the army of good,” social studies teacher Steven Kretz said.

The Supreme Court has said that the phrase “In God We Trust” does not violate religious freedom because it represents our country and not just religion.

However, some people have a problem with the posters because they feel the phrase forces religion on them.

“That goes against freedom of religion and forcing your own religion into a school setting which should not be allowed,” Destiney Kinyon (11) said.

But Mueller feels that it’s important to honor our history and values.

“Our country was founded on ‘In God We Trust.’ It’s not a religious point, it’s just saying what our motto is.”