House advances bill displaying ‘In God We Trust’ language in schools

A bill placing “In God We Trust” language on school campuses is heading to the House floor.

The Education and Employment Committee advanced the bill (HB 1009). If it passes, the slogan must be in “clearly visible location and public area of the school which is readily accessible to and widely used by students and in a clearly visible location and public area of each building used by the district school board.”

Rep. Kim Daniels, a Democratic preacher from Jacksonville who has championed the display of Florida’s theistic state motto, noted that it’s on our “flag and our money” during her presentation of the bill.

Democratic Rep. Yvonne Hinson cautioned that in some school districts, people don’t believe in God or believe in other Gods.

Daniels countered that the bill isn’t about “religion,” but about people “knowing their rights.”

Republican Rep. Kiyan Michael, also from Duval County, lauded Daniels’ “strength and courage for bringing the bill forward.”

The bill also compels the Florida Department of Education to “assure” people that laws protecting voluntary religious expression in schools exist.

Kathleen Murray, state education director of Citizens Defending Freedom, lauded the bill’s defense of “foundational rights.”

“Religious freedom belongs in the public square, and that includes the classroom,” she added.

Christian Family Coalition of Florida and Moms for Liberty like the legislation. The Florida Policy Institute and the American Civil Liberties Union oppose the bill.