Religious freedom has been attacked once again after an atheist parent demanded that a sign stating "In God We Trust" be removed from the classroom.
The sign was put up by a Wisconsin fourth grade school teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, according to Fox News. Along with the sign, a cross and a picture frame that showed the American flag and the words "God Bless America" was accused of promoting "Christian symbolism."
Rob Moore, the "infuriated" and "fuming" parent who is also the president of a chapter of the Freedom From Religion Foundation, told TV station WTMJ that he kept sending the school district complaints about the signs. He tried for five months, and it was only two weeks ago that he got the teacher to take it down.
The foundation's attorney, Ryan Jayne, wrote in a letter to the school district that the signs carry an "undeniable Christian theme." The letter further stated, "Religious classroom decorations violate this basic constitutional prohibition by creating the appearance that the District prefers religion over non religion, and Christianity over all other faiths."
Moore said he doesn't hold the teacher accountable for making his family uncomfortable. "She's a loving teacher and cares about the kids. She's misguided," said Moore.
However, not all parents share the same views as Moore. "Kids need to learn that there's going to be different beliefs all through life," said Stephanie Marinelli, Roosevelt Elementary parent. Another mom, Shannon Perez, is of the same mind. She said the signs are not offensive and even added, "I think it should be in every classroom."
Despite claims made by Moore that the sign has been taken down, the Kenosha Unified School District said it has yet to act on the complaint. "The district is aware of the allegations and is working with our legal team to investigate the claims. No further details can be provided due to the pending investigation," said Chief Communications Officer Tanya Ruder.
