On Tuesday, May 1, legislation authored by Senator Dan Hall (R-Burnsville) to allow Minnesota schools to display the United States’ national motto “In God We Trust” at their campus was amended onto the Senate’s education policy bill and passed off the Senate Floor with 40- 25 vote.

“God and country are no longer lifted up in a place of honor like it once was. And in part, it seems to be eliminated from our schools. There are those who are afraid to even bring up God and country in our schools,” said Sen. Dan Hall. “This legislation simply makes it clear that putting up our National Motto on the walls of our schools is no different than saying the Pledge of Allegiance in the schools.”

The legislation does not require any state or local funding. Instead, it allows for local school boards to accept nonpublic funds or in-kind contributions to help implement the display as school facilities. Additionally, the bill provides a defense to school and school boards if the display of the national motto would be challenged in court.

In 2011, the U.S. House of Representatives reaffirmed “In God We Trust” as the national motto of our nation. The national motto has been challenged 6 times and the courts have ruled each time that it does not violate the establishment clause.