The board chairman, Clair Orr, has said that schools need a reminder of moral standards, and his supporters point out that the phrase is already on coins children carry in their pockets. Opponents contend the plan is a veiled attempt to reintroduce religion in schools after other efforts have failed. The Colorado legislature this year refused to require schools to post the Ten Commandments, and last month, the U.S. Supreme Court banned prayers at high school football games. If they can't get the Ten Commandments, this year they will settle for 'In God we trust,' and next year they will go for the Ten Commandments. The seven-member board is scheduled to debate and vote on the proposal today.
Supporters say they simply want to provide a moral compass for students.
We just see a trend toward something we think is perhaps dangerous. No rules, no fear. Other states have had similar clashes between church and state over issues ranging from mottos to nativity scenes. The Supreme Court has never decided a direct challenge to the motto. But according to the U.S. Mint, the high court cast doubt on the constitutionality of the phrase in 1962.