Kansas lawmakers want ‘In God We Trust’ in every classroom and public building

A bill spearheaded by one of the most controversial lawmakers in the state would require every public building in Kansas – including all classrooms – to prominently display the national motto “In God We Trust.”

Rep. Michael Capps, a Wichita Republican, is the lead sponsor of the legislation. It would require every state and municipal building, every public school library and classroom, as well as every public college and university to display the motto.

The legislation mirrors bills that have cropped up in a number of states, including Oklahoma and Florida, that would require public display of the phrase, which has been the national motto since 1956.

“It should be displayed as an acknowledgment of our country’s history and founding principles,” Capps said.

The group American Atheists condemned the proposal, and noted similarities between the bill and Project Blitz, an operation launched by a coalition of conservative Christian organizations to protect the public exercise of Judeo-Christian religious values. American Atheists president Nick Fish said Capps’ proposed displays would send the message that atheist students and teachers are second-class citizens.

“This bill has nothing to do with educating Kansas students. It’s clear some lawmakers care more about forcing a religious message into school classrooms than teaching the facts,” Fish said in a statement.

Capps responded to American Atheists’ statement in an email, saying he was proud to follow President Dwight Eisenhower, who signed the legislation establishing the national motto. “Misguided people” have been attempting to tear apart the foundation of the country for decades, he said.

“If fringe groups are offended, they are welcome to move elsewhere,” Capps said, adding that Kansas and the United States was founded on an acknowledgment of God.

“I will continue to pray for the atheists in Kansas - praying they will come to find the love our country our Founders showed,” Capps said.

Capps’ time in office has been tumultuous. Last fall, he was linked to a false smear campaign against Brandon Whipple, who went on to win the Wichita mayor’s race. And he has been previously accused of emotional abuse of children, an allegation he denies.

At least a dozen lawmakers are co-sponsoring the bill with Capps. Still, the proposal received an at-times skeptical reception during a hearing Thursday in the House Federal and State Affairs Committee.

“I already have some heartburn here, because not everyone in this country or state does believe in God,” Rep. Stephanie Clayton, an Overland Park Democrat, said.

“I love our national motto, I do support it,” Rep. Blake Carpenter, a Derby Republican, said. “But I’m curious, do you think when you say ‘every classroom or library’ might be slight overkill instead of just putting it at the main entrance or the main lobby … would be just as good?”

Capps emphasized that the bill doesn’t require spending any tax dollars. Displays of the motto would be either donated or schools and governments would purchase displays using donations, according to the bill.

Each display must include the United States and Kansas flags, as well the motto in large font and be at least 11 inches wide by 14 inches high, the bill says.

Donors wouldn’t receive any recognition, Capps said. And he pushed back on suggestions the bill is too sweeping in its scope.

“Generally speaking, every classroom has an American flag in it and we don’t consider that to be overkill,” Capps said.

The League of Kansas Municipalities spoke in opposition at the hearing. John Goodyear, a staff attorney for the organization, warned that local governments could face lawsuits if the bill became law. But Capps pointed to court cases where the constitutionality of the motto’s use has been upheld.

Rep. John Barker, an Abilene Republican and committee chairman, dismissed concerns about litigation.

“To say we shouldn’t pass a bill because we’re going to get in litigation, well, then we should pass any bills,” Barker said.

This story was originally published January 30, 2020 at 11:38 AM.