CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Signs displaying the motto “In God We Trust” are beginning to be placed in school classrooms around the state.
The bill, passed by state lawmakers earlier this year, became law in July.
The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Mike Azinger, R-Wood, and others appeared for an event a the sate capitol Monday where the signs were displayed. First Liberty Institute and Patriot Mobile have paid for 2,500 that are being donated to the state.
“Some classrooms already have them up,” Azinger said. “Some counties made their own. They are even showing up at boards of education.”
Several other lawmakers and Gov. Patrick Morrisey were also on hand for the ceremony.
The motto law requires the display of “In God We Trust,” accompanied by a U.S. flag representation, in all classrooms of public elementary, secondary and higher education institutions. The law also specifies the requirement for charter schools.
“A true and accurate retelling of civics and American life and history is going to set our students up to become engaged and very knowledgeable members of our society,” Morrisey said when signed the bill into law in April.
Senate President Randy Smith, R-Preston, said Monday schools will be better places when God is included.
“Society started going downhill when we took God out of our schools and I think we have statistics to show that,” Smith said.
Also in attendance Monday, former Arkansas State Senator Jason Rapert who is an advocate for laws like the motto law. He said lawmakers around the country are taking similar steps.
“We just had this horrible situation in Minnesota the other day (where two students were shot and killed) and they’re (lawmakers) are touched and they say we need to resurrect those founding principles that our Founding Fathers gave to us,” Rapert said.