Mandate for display of ‘In God We Trust’ in TN schools sent to governor

On an 81-8 vote and with little debate, the House gave final approval Monday evening to legislation that requires the words “In God we trust” to be prominently displayed in all kindergarten-through-12^th grade Tennessee schools.

The “National Motto in the Classroom Act” (SB2661) was approved earlier by the Senate without any debate as a part of a “consent calendar” of non-controversial bills and resolutions. It now goes to Gov. Bill Haslam for his signature.

On the House floor, Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh (D-Ripley) proposed an amendment that would have required schools to also display “the traditional national motto of the United States, ‘E Pluribus Unum’ (Latin for out or many, on) along with “In God We Trust.”  But he withdrew it without any discussion after being told by the House clerk that he had filed the amendment too late for normal consideration on the floor.

The bill was sponsored in the House by Rep. Susan Lynn (R-Old Hickory), who briefly described the measure, declaring it appropriate that “a cornerstone of our freedom” be part of children’s schooling. The bill was sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Paul Bailey (R-Sparta).

Note: Previous post HERE.