‘In God We Trust’ Now Required in All Louisiana School Classrooms

Several new laws took effect in Louisiana on August 1st, but one, in particular, has led to a lot of discussion about what should be displayed in schools. A bill introduced by Louisiana State Rep. Dodie Horton and signed by Governor John Bel Edwards places a minimum sign requirement for every public school classroom this coming school year. For starters, the sign must be at least 11 x 17 inches.

Read and excerpt of the law below:

The program of instruction on patriotic customs required by this Section shall include instruction on the national motto, "In God We Trust", and each public school governing authority shall display the national motto in each building it uses and classroom in each school under its jurisdiction. The nature of the display shall be determined by each governing authority with a minimum requirement of a paper sign. that the national motto shall 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.

The words "In God We Trust" is the national motto and have been emblazoned on buildings and government documents since our country's founding.

It should be no surprise that it has become a wedge issue. Critics of the law say "In God We Trust" is a religious motto that does not belong in public classrooms out of respect for those students who do not believe.

Back in 2018, a similar law was passed requiring the signs on every campus. The Louisiana Legislature passed the law requiring schools to display "In God We Trust" in a prominent location, starting in the 2019-2020 school year. The signs were required to be placed in each public elementary and secondary school. According to bill sponsors, the law was meant to promote patriotism and explain the historical significance of the motto.