By Mike Hutchens, Union City Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Coby Watts and members of his Structural Systems class recently hung an “In God We Trust” banner in the hallway of Union City High School.
A bill requiring all Tennessee schools to prominently display the motto was signed by Governor Bill Haslam earlier this year and such banners will also be hung at Union City Elementary and Union City Middle School.
Rep. Susan Lynn, R-Mt. Juliet, sponsored the legislation that overwhelmingly passed the state with 81 of the 99 members voting in favor of it. Before the vote, the Republican lawmaker spoke from the House floor about the prominence of the phrase.
“Our national motto is on our money. It’s on our license plates. It’s part of our national anthem,” Lynn said. “Our national motto and founding documents are the cornerstone of freedom and we should teach our children about these things.”
The bill requires schools display the motto in a prominent location where students are likely to see it, like a school entryway, cafeteria or common area. It offers more freedom on what form it takes, suggesting that it could be a mounted plaque or student artwork.
“In God We Trust” became the national motto in 1956, but it first appeared on the two-cent coin in 1864, according to the U.S. Department of Treasury. It was first placed on coins largely because of increased religious sentiment during the Civil War.
Laws requiring the display of “In God We Trust” in schools are already on the books in other state.
The Tennessee State Senate unanimously passed the “In God We Trust” in schools legislation earlier this year. Sen. Paul Bailey, R-Sparta, is the bill’s Senate sponsor.
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