| Bill would require schools to display national motto, 'In God We Trust' |
01.29.02
By Holly Clark
Pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters all bear the national motto, "In God We Trust." Virginia schools will, too, if Delegate Robert G. Marshall, R-Manassas, has his way.
Marshall proposed that the national motto be posted in Virginia public schools as an "expression of hope" in response to the recent terrorist attacks on America.
He said the motto provides a "common identity of Americans" and "reinforces citizens and unites nations." It's much better, he said, than Virginia's current motto: "Sic Semper Tyrannis, " meaning "Thus Always to Tyrants."
"For one," Marshall said, "it's in Latin -- and who speaks Latin anymore?"
The motto appears on the state seal, which feature the Roman goddess Virtue, who represents Virginia, standing triumphantly over a man holding a scourge and chain, representing the tyrant.
"You need the picture to understand its (the motto's) meaning." Marshall said.
Predicting a possible problem with the cost of posting such mottos, Marshall suggested that students could carve the signs in wood shop or area volunteers could contribute money to finance the displays. This in turn would "reinforce citizen membership," he added.
The House Education Committee last week voted 15-7 vote for Marshall's bill and sent it to the full House of Delegates for approval. The panel unanimously approved an amendment to change the bill's title from "posting of certain statement" to "posting of national motto."
Critics, however, said the proposal raises constitutional concerns.
Robert Alley, a religious professor at the University of Richmond, said the posting of the national motto was a "legislative assault against the First Amendment."
Alley said the phrase no longer has meaning in U.S. culture and is the equivalent of today's "Have a Nice Day" idiom. He said posting the motto in schools would be "gratuitous and foolish."
Delegate Jay O'Brien, R-Clifton, disagreed and later said, "Alley's comments were distasteful especially" - especially in light of the terrorists' attacks. The professor "denied the very principles on which this nation was founded," O'Brien said.
Marshall proposed a similar bill last year, but it died on the Senate floor.
"I hope that this year the proposal will be received with a better response in the Senate considering the events at hand," O'Brien added.
The "In God We Trust" national motto, adopted in 1956, is already displayed in public buildings across the nation.
The committee last week also considered a bill proposed by Delegate Phillip A. Hamilton, R-Newport News. The bill would add the words "incidents of mass destruction" to the model school crisis and emergency plan for public schools. The bill is in response to a recent rash of school shootings.
The Education Committee unanimously approved the bill and sent it to the House for consideration.
Delegate R. G. Marshall
13th District; Manassas, Va.
(804) 698-1013
del_marshall@house.state.va.us
Delegate Jay O'Brien
40th District; Clifton, Va.
(804) 698-1040
HB 108 -- Posting of national motto
HB 886 -- School crisis and emergency management plans
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