The Place Where Ludington Talks
A Sign of God in Our Area
Pine River Area Schools are situated about midway between Reed City and Cadillac, about 60 miles away to the east from Ludington, but an interesting conflict recently arose because of a sign maker. Unlike Ludington's sign problem, this does not involve cronyism and no-bid contracts being awarded, it is what the sign painter painted on the new sign. Four simple words, averaging three letters each caused a minor uproar between two segments of the normally quiet northern Michigan community. In the end, the school board voted unanimously to restore those four words not long before Christmas break. Do you agree with the School Board's decision?
OSCEOLA CO. -- "In God we trust" has been the nation's motto since 1956. It’s engraved on coins, printed on dollars, and etched into capitol buildings and courtrooms. Does the phrase belong on an elementary school's sign?
The Pine River Area School Board says yes. They approved the restoration of the Pine River Elementary sign Monday night.
Budget cuts forced the Pine River Area School District to restructure, consolidating the elementary schools. The district wanted a new sign reflecting the change for the new school year.
The artist who made the sign placed "in God we trust" in the corner.
The school's superintendent Jim Ganger said the phrase is part of the artist’s trademark, and added he has used it in many pieces.
“He didn't do it to promote or inhibit religion in any way,” explained Ganger. “It's just part of his work. It was totally innocent.”
The board received complaints from people saying the school should not be trying to indoctrinate students. So the school’s attorney was contacted for legal counsel.
The attorneys recommended covering the phrase. The school then asked the artist to fill in the design, which generated more complaints from the other side as to why it was removed.
“Those things that our nation has been founded on are important for all of us,” said Paul Roose, a supporter of restoring the sign.
Monday night board members heard reaction from both sides. They used the Supreme Court's "lemon test" to determine whether the sign infringed upon the separation of church and state.
The board unanimously came to the conclusion that the phrase should be included.
“The board voted and we're going to live with that. As a district we're going to move forward,” said Ganger.
“That motto could discuss Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, or no religion at all,” said Ron Schalow, Pine River trustee. “If it's the national motto, it should be there. We see that as a generic representation in the words of the motto, not advancing or prohibiting any particular religious thought or belief.”
The superintendent said he’s unsure when the sign will be restored, but he would contact the artist right away.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Willy on
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It's not praying. It's not singling out a particular religion. It generically refers to God. As long as the community wants it I don't see any problem with it. Atheist may be offended but who cares. Muslims may be offended because it doesn't mention Allah but Allah is God so no problem there.
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